Sept. 16, 2005

Box Score

DENVER - Head coach Beth Kuwata's Pioneer volleyball team established itself as the team to beat in this weekend's Denver Invitational in Hamilton Gymnasium. DU put the Pilots of Portland away in three games Friday night, 30-17, 30-17, 31-29.

"Tonight displayed a more determined team that really played with a sense of urgency," head coach Beth Kuwata said. "Our defense played with a lot of intensity, which was a key factor in the win."

DU made quick work of the Pilots, with rookie Holly Benson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and junior Lisa Hunter (St. Louis, Mo.) recorded five kills apiece. Senior setter Ashly Ball (Chula Vista, Calif.) was also a valuable contributor with 12 assists en route to a Pioneer attack percentage of .491.

Game two displayed much of the same as Hunter again led the attack with 10 kills. DU also gave Portland few mistakes to capitalize on throughout the match, only committing 11 errors for the night.

Portland showed more fire in game three, taking a late two point lead and set up a game point at 29-27. However, the Pioneers remained in control for the win.

If consistency has been an issue in the past, the Pioneers seemed to find a balance with minimal errors and a stifling defense this evening to keep Portland out of striking distance.

"This is the best team effort I've seen in a long time," Kuwata commented. "Tonight we displayed all the tools that competitive team possesses. Our starting six in double digits showed a balance offensively in point production and that is the first step we need in order to be successful this season."

The Pioneers meet Montana in their second match of the Denver invitational tomorrow at 11 a.m. Montana is also coming into Saturday's meeting on a sweep, downing Northern Illinois earlier Friday evening.

"It's extremely important that we keep same emotion for tomorrow," Kuwata said. "We were in the same situation last weekend, but the outcome was not what we would have liked. If we come out strong like we did today, I'm confident it will reflect in the end result."

Denver is next in action on Saturday when it takes on Montana at 11 a.m. The Pioneers then wrap up the tournament at 7:30 by hosting Northern Illinois.