Sept. 9, 2006

Box Score

DENVER - Senior Lisa Hunter (St. Louis, Mo.) and junior Kim Muller (Ballwin, Mo.) recorded 13 kills each and sophomore Kerry Porter (Western Springs, Ill) added 10 as the University of Denver volleyball team swept Texas State, 33-31, 30-18 and 30-20, at Hamilton Gym Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers swept their second straight opponent, and won their fourth match in a row to improve to 4-2 overall, while the Bobcats fall to 3-5.

DU combined for five teams blocks and nine service aces on the way to the win. Sophomore Clare Maxwell (Western Springs, Ill.) posted a match-high 42 assists.

"We served tough and kept them out of their system," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "After winning a close first game, our confidence was up and that made the second and third games much easier."

Hunter had two consecutive aces in game one, which saw three lead chances and 19 ties. The Bobcats held off five attempts by the Pioneers to end the game, but in the sixth attempt DU prevailed, 33-31. The Pioneers had three blocks in game two and cruised to the 30-18 victory. Denver outpaced Texas State for the second consecutive game, as they won 30-20 to complete the sweep.

No. 3 UCLA improved to 8-0 on the season with a 3-0 victory over Georgia, 30-14, 30-24 and 30-20, in the first game Saturday.

The Pioneer Classic continues Saturday evening at Hamilton Gym as Georgia (3-5) and Texas State (3-5) play at 5 p.m. In the nightcap, No. 3 UCLA (8-0) and DU (4-2) play in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. Both the Bruins and Pioneers are undefeated in tournament play. The Pioneer Classic all-tournament team, as well as the tournament MVP, will be announced at the conclusion of the evening's games.