Oct. 19, 2001

Box Score

The University of Denver volleyball team, led by senior Kellie Savage's (Arvada, Colo.) 14 kills and sophomore Olympia Hughes' (Casper, Wyo.) .529 hitting percentage, downed Sun Belt Conference foe Arkansas State in straight sets 30-26, 30-22, 30-23 Friday night at the Convocation Center. Denver evens its record at 9-9 overall and 4-4 in Sun Belt Conference play while ASU falls to 7-10, 3-5 in league play.

Hughes also contributed 10 kills and six blocks and Junior Lulu Sewell (Gardnerville, Nev.) added 12 kills for the Pioneers in the three-game victory. The Pioneers earn their third victory in the last four matches and handed ASU its sixth loss in the last seven games. Denver dominated on both ends of the court and operated its offense at will against the Lady Indians hitting a season-high .317 for the match, including .342 in the first game. Defensively the Pioneers recorded twelve blocks and 32 digs and forced 31 Arkansas State errors.

"We were much smarter with the ball tonight," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "We were able to eliminate the mental errors and concentrate which is something we have struggled to do in the last couple of matches. We know the importance of winning on the road, that is why this is such a big win for us. This match will definitely give us confidence going into tomorrow."

The Pioneers conclude their two-match Arkansas swing with a Sun Belt contest tomorrow (Saturday) night at Arkansas-Little Rock. First serve is set for 7 p.m. CST.