Oct. 14, 2001

Box Score

DENVER - Tara Thomas led all players with 19 kills and 17 digs to guide Western Kentucky to a 3-0 sweep (30-24, 30-23, 30-27) win over the University of Denver in Sun Belt Conference volleyball action Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Gymnasium.

The Lady Toppers (12-5, 6-1 Sun Belt) pounded 55 kills to just 38 for Denver (8-9, 3-4), which had its two-match winning streak snapped. While the Pioneers committed relatively few errors - 17 via attack and six from the service line - WKU's potent offense and tough serving were the difference. Western added 10 service aces.

"We didn't adapt well to anything they did, from the tipped balls to their slower middle attack," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "They handled the ball and kept it in play better than we did. We knew they wouldn't block much, but that they would dig everything behind the block, and they did. From there, they were able to run their offense the way they wanted."

Senior outside hitter Kellie Savage (Arvada, Colo. / Arvada West HS) led the Pioneers with 10 kills. Sophomore middle blocker Andrea Baron (West Vancouver, British Columbia / West Vancouver HS) had a strong game at the net, adding seven blocks and seven kills on a .385 attack percentage.

The Pioneers are off until this weekend, when they head to Jonesboro, Ark., for a match on Friday at Arkansas State. Denver then continues on to face Arkansas-Little Rock the next night. The Pioneers' next home match is a week from Tuesday, Oct. 23, when they host No. 8 Colorado State.