Box Score DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team used a strong hitting attack to record its first victory of the season, a 3-1 (15-9, 15-3, 2-15, 15-9) triumph over Weber State Friday night at the Pioneer Classic at Hamilton Gymnasium. San Francisco defeated UMKC, 3-1 (15-8, 15-17, 15-6, 15-12) in the night's first match. The win was the Pioneers' first of the season in five tries.
Senior outside hitter Sarah Kaye (Aurora, Colo. / Smoky Hill) led all players with 16 kills, junior OH Kellie Savage (Arvada, Colo. / West) nailed 13 kills and sophomore middle blocker Lulu Sewell (Gardnerville, Nev. / Douglas) had a stellar defensive match with 13 digs, a career-high five blocks both match-highs and four service aces.
"I had to laugh after the match because when I told the team we got the monkey off our back, none of them knew what I was talking about," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "It is definitely good to get this win. We came out in the first two games and set the tone and dramatically improved our defense and blocking, and that was what won us the match."
Stephanie Metcalf had 12 kills for Weber State (2-2).
In an offensively explosive first match, the Lady Dons (4-0) had three players with double-digit kills, led by Teresa Russel's 19. UMKC (0-4) was led with a match-high 22 kills by Erica Austin. Both teams finished with 77 kills in the match.
Play in the Pioneer Classic continues Saturday with each team playing two matches. San Francisco and Weber State begin play at 11 a.m., Denver plays UMKC at 1:30 p.m., Weber State and UMKC square off at 5 p.m., and USF and the Pioneers complete the tournament at 7:30 p.m. All matches will be played in Hamilton Gymnasium.
