Sept. 16, 2006

Box Score

Dayton, Ohio - The University of Denver volleyball team won two matches in the final day of the Raider Challenge, dropping West Virginia, 3-0, and host Wright State, 3-2, Saturday in Dayton, Ohio. DU went 2-1 in the tournament and improved their season record to 6-4.

The Pioneers started the day with a sweep of the Mountaineers, winning 30-17, 30-21 and 30-20. DU blocked 10 shots in the contest, and out-hitting WVU, .347 to .010. Senior Lisa Hunter (St. Louis, Mo.) recorded 16 kills in the match, while sophomore Clare Maxwell (Western Springs, Ill.) had 29 assists. DU dominated off the serve, with 10 service aces to the Mountaineers four.

"I am happy how we controlled the play, especially later on in the match," said head coach Beth Kuwata, who won her 150th match at DU against the Mountaineers. "We mentally stuck with it and were much better offensively as the match progressed."

In the night cap against Wright State, the Pioneers needed five games to drop the Raiders, 26-30, 21-30, 30-22, 30-28 and 20-18. It was the first five-game match for DU in 2006.

Denver set a new school record in digs per game with 102, while Wright State recorded 94. Sophomore Holly Benson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) had 27 digs in the contest. Hunter had the match-high 24 kills, with three other Pioneers in double-digits. Maxwell contributed 54 assists in the five-game match.

"We adapted to the different style of play," said Kuwata. "I was happy with how we were able to maintain our composure after being down 2-0. For us to win a five-game match that was that tight is important for our remaining matches this season."

Hunter and sophomore Kim Muller (Ballwin, Mo.) were named to the Raider Challenge all-tournament team.

DU returns home to Hamilton Gym, Tuesday, September 19 at 7 p.m., as they host Wyoming.