The No. 6 Grand Canyon beach volleyball team improved to 5-1 on the season with a 3-2 win over No. 10 Georgia State and a 4-1 triumph against event host Tampa.
 
The Lopes handed Georgia State, who eliminated GCU in the first round of the NCAA tournament last year, their first loss of the season. The match was decided early with wins on Courts 1, 3 and 4 before the final court action was completed.
 
GCU also proved dominant over Tampa, sealing its victory with 21-14 repeat efforts by juniors Allanis Navas and Allison Hansen on Court 1.
 
The Tampa Classic continues Saturday at 6 a.m. (Phoenix time) against No.11 Stetson and No. 2 Florida State at 10 a.m. (Phoenix time).

GCU 3, Georgia State 2

1. Allanis Navas and Allison Hansen def. Angel Ferary and Bella Ferary (17-21, 22-20, 15-9)
2. Elise Saga and Kelly Dorn def. Samaya Morin and Abbie Hughes (21-18, 16-21, 15-5)
3. Krista Rowan and Anaya Evans def. Yasmin Kuck and Lila Bordis (21-16, 21-15)
4. Dana Roskic and Jessica Drake def. Ayla Johnson and Maddy Delmonte (23-21, 21-16)
5. Destiny White and Alisa Vuorinen def. Cami Sanchez and Mackenzie Harris (24-22, 18-21, 19-17)

GCU 4, Tampa 1

1. Allanis Navas and Allison Hansen def. Junia Oswald and Angel Williams (21-14, 21-14)
2. Samaya Morin and Abbie Hughes def. Nevaeh Wolfe and Hailey Wolfe (21-16, 21-15)
3. Krista Rowan and Anaya Evans def. Cassidy Ehrie and Peyton Brunick (21-14, 19-21, 15-8)
4. Dana Roskic and Jessica Drake def. Keely Hamilton and Madison Brunick (21-9, 13-21, 15-11)
5. Alivia Horn and Kali Cors def. Cami Sanchez and Mackenzie Harris (10-21, 23-21, 15-12)