Box Score DENVER -- The University of Arkansas-Little Rock volleyball team got a match-high 20 kills and 21 digs from Tanja Radovic as the Trojans defeated Denver in Sun Belt Conference action Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Gymnasium. In a showdown of the Sun Belt's Division leaders, UALR (16-4, 9-1 SBC East) snapped Denver's four-match winning streak and spoiled the Pioneers' attempt to give Denver head coach Beth Kuwata her 100th career win. Denver now stands 14-10 and 7-3 in the league, tied for first in the West Division with Louisiana-Lafayette.
After a lackluster start, the Pioneers slammed 35 kills in the second and third games and appeared to be on their way to their fifth league win at home this season. But UALR hit .447 as a team in the final two games to remain atop the overall Sun Belt standings.
Junior outside hitter Kellie Savage (Arvada, Colo. / Arvada West HS) led the Pioneers with 19 kills. It is her 22nd match in double-figure kills this season. Junior setter Clarice Golesh (Lakewood, Colo. / Mullen HS) earned her 10th double-double of the season, recording 43 assists and a team-high 20 digs. Freshman middle blocker Olympia Hughes (Casper, Wyo. / Natrona County HS) had her second straight successful match at the net, blocking 10 Trojans attempts.
"We made critical errors and showed some inexperience at the times we needed to make big plays this afternoon," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "Even though we had three times as many blocks as they did, I think UALR controlled the net. We didn't necessarily challenge their block or do things offensively at the net that we needed to do."
The Pioneers step out of conference play this Tuesday when they travel to Laramie, Wyo. to face Wyoming. Denver then hits the road this weekend for Sun Belt matches at New Mexico State (Friday, Oct. 27) and Florida International (Sunday, Oct. 29).
