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Box Score 3 Aug. 30, 2003
Box Score
DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball won its final two games on the last day of the Saluki Invitational in Carbondale, Ill., defeating Southern Illinois (30-18, 30-20, 30-17) and Austin Peay (30-25, 30-23, 30-24). The Pioneers clinched both victories in just in three games to be crowned the tournament champions. With the wins, Denver begins its season at 3-0, just the first time since 1997.
Denver played its best match of the season in its first game against SIU, attacking on a season-high .403 clip and recording 43 kills. Junior Mary England (Castle Rock, Colo.) recorded a season-high personal best with 15 kills on the morning. The Pioneers played their most solid defensive match of the year as well, recording 11 blocks.
"We won both matches in a similar fashion," head coach Beth Kuwata said. "We controlled both games today. We were better offensively in the morning against SIU and we figured things out early in the tournament."
In the second match against Austin Peay, the Pioneers again dominated the court. Following the three-game win earlier in the morning against SIU, the Pioneers were aggressive and full of energy. Middle blocker senior Andrea Baron (West Vancouver, B.C.) led the team in hitting.
"These three wins were a long time in coming," Kuwata said. "They kids deserved the tournament championship, especially the returning players. I am thrilled with where we are at right now and look forward to playing at home next weekend."
The Pioneers started the tournament with a five-game win against Iowa (29-31, 30-25, 30-26, 29-31, 15-6). Denver recorded a season-high 65 kills, 15 of which were contributed by freshman Lisa Hunter (St. Louis, Mo.).
The Denver volleyball team is again in action next Friday, Sept. 5-6 when they host the University of Denver Invitational. Play for the Pioneers begins Sept. 5 at noon against Central Florida.
Denver def. Iowa 3-2 (29-31, 30-25, 30-26, 29-31, 15-6)Denver def. Southern Illinois 3-0 (30-18, 30-20, 30-17)Denver def. Austin Peay 3-0 (30-25, 30-23, 24-30)
