Oct. 15, 2006

Box Score

DENVER - Sophomore Holly Benson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) recorded her fourth consecutive double-double and sophomore Clare Maxwell (Western Springs, Ill.) had a career-high 16 digs as the University of Denver volleyball team defeated Sun Belt Conference opponent Louisiana-Lafayette, 3-1, at Hamilton Gym Sunday afternoon, 30-22, 30-21, 31-33 and 30-22. DU improved to 11-9 overall and 4-4 in the SBC, while UL fell to 6-15 and 3-7.

"We had an eye opener on Friday night that a team can come in here and beat us," said Benson, who recorded 19 kills and 15 digs. "We want to take advantage of playing these eight matches at home and today we came here to win."

In addition to Maxwell's 18 digs, she had a match-high 53 assists. Also in double-digit kills were junior Kim Muller (Ballwin, Mo.) with 14, senior Lisa Hunter (St. Louis, Mo.) had 13 and freshman Emmy Davidsmeyer (Colorado Springs, Colo.) recorded 11. Sophomore Kerry Porter (Western Springs, Ill.) was in on a team-high five blocks and junior Alyssa Hampton (Parkville, Mo.) had 20 blocks.

In game one of the match, Benson led the Pioneers with six kills and UL hit -.057. The game was close early, but DU took charge for the 30-22 win. Even though UL outblocked DU 6-to-4 in the game, the Pioneers had four aces and won 30-21. Despite Porter's three block assists in game three, the Pioneers committed 11 attacking errors to lose 31-33. DU was charged up in game four and hit .385 in the game for the 30-22 win.

"I'm proud of how we bounced back after game three," head coach Beth Kuwata said. "We got a good lead in game four and got comfortable and that allowed us to win the match. I'm proud of how Holly has raised her level of play. We asked that of everyone and fortunately, she has done it."

The Pioneers return to action Monday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Hamilton Gym to face SBC opponent Louisiana-Monroe.