Nov. 15, 2002

Box Score

Denver - The University of Denver volleyball team beat the University of New Orleans (3-0) in a Sun Belt Conference game Friday at the Hamilton Gymnasium. With the win, the Pioneers need only to beat South Alabama on Saturday night to obtain a post-season berth. Denver's record now improves to 6-18, and 4-9 in the conference. New Orleans is now 13-18, 6-8.

The Pioneers started the game on fire with a hitting percentage of .318 and a total of 19 kills. As the match progressed, New Orleans picked up the pace but was edged out 30-26 and 30-27 in the final two games.

"In game one, we played exactly how we wanted to play," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "As the match went on, New Orleans really picked it up and we had to respond. Oly (junior Olympia Hughes, Casper Wyo./Natrona County HS) came up with a big kill when we needed it. She sensed we needed a little boost in momentum in game three. Obviously tonight was a must win, and we came out here with a sense of urgency. We played pretty well and it was more of a team effort then what we've had in the past."

Junior Amanda Millard (Southlake, Texas/Carroll HS) was the offensive leader of the night for Denver with a sizzling .438 hitting percentage.

Commenting on Millard's performance, coach Kuwata said, "Amanda had a great game one. If we have that kind of production all the time with her hitting .438, then that's a great night for us. If anything we're going to try to get her the ball more."

As a whole, the Pioneer defense was solid, out- blocking their opponent 15-4. Junior Jen Karas (Granby, Colo./Middle Park HS) maintained her strong play outside and led the team in digs with 13.

"She did a nice job controlling the net for us tonight," Kuwata mentioned, "and she was very active on defense which her numbers show."

Denver will remain in the comfy confines of the Hamilton for one more night as they close out the regular season with South Alabama tomorrow at 7p.m. The Jaguars come into Colorado with an overall record of 5-19 and 0-14 in the conference.

Match Results Game 1 2 3 Denver 30 30 30 (5-18, 3-9) New Orleans 21 26 27 (14-12, 8-4)