Big Rapids, Mi. (Aug. 26) First-year head coach Chris Johnson was successful in his debut, and Seattle Pacific knocked off 14th-ranked Grand Valley State as the Falcons opened the 2005 campaign with a pair of victories at the Ferris State Holiday Inn Invitational on Friday afternoon.

The Falcons opened the day with a sweep of West Virginia State to give Johnson, SPU’s top assistant last season, a win in his collegiate head coaching debut. Game scores were 30-26, 30-22, 30-21.

SPU then went on to upset Grand Valley State 31-29, 31-29, 21-30, 30-25.

The Falcons continue tournament play tomorrow with matches against Wheeling Jesuit (WV) and tournament host Ferris State, who is ranked 17th nationally.