DENVER The University of Denver volleyball team (17-4, 6-2 SBC) fell to Middle Tennessee (16-3, 6-1 SBC) in straight sets (19-25, 17-25, 15-25) on Saturday night at Hamilton Gymnasium. The loss snaps the Pioneers’ perfect 11-0 home win streak.

 

“We knew coming into this match that it was going to be a difficult one and that getting our offense in a rhythm was going to be key,” said head coach Beth Kuwata. “The disappointing part was that we didn’t respond to their aggressive style of play. We always talk about how it takes each of us to be successful and tonight was a perfect example of how important each person’s performance is.”

 

Just three assists shy of breaking the 3,000 assist mark coming into the match, setter Clare Maxwell (Western Springs, Ill.) became only the second Pioneer in program history to surpass that mark as she finished the night with 20 assists. Maxwell now has 3,017 assists for her career, ranking her behind Rachel Runka (1992-94) who recorded 3,534 during her Denver career.

 

Senior Jacqueline Paul (Albuquerque, N.M.) finished in the top spot for the Pioneers as she tallied 10 kills on 19 attacks for a .316 hitting percentage. Paul also finished with two blocks and one service ace.

 

Izabela Kozon led the Blue Raiders with 11 kills on 24 attacks for a .333 hitting percentage. Setter Leslie Clark finished with 35 assists, three kills and three blocks, while Janay Yancey and Ashley Asberry led the way at the net with five blocks apiece.

 

The Pioneers will host another two-match SBC weekend that will kick-off on Friday, Oct. 24 with a 7 p.m. match against Troy. Denver will conclude action on Sunday, Oct. 26 with a noon match against South Alabama.

 

 

 

- PIONEERS -