DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team (4-8) lost to the No. 12 University of Oregon (10-0) 3-0 (15-25, 20-25, 16-25) in the first match of day two of the Pioneer Classic in Hamilton Gymnasium.   

"Oregon might be the best team we've played up to this point and we've played a lot of good teams," said head coach Beth Kuwata.  "We're only getting better playing teams of this caliber and down the road it will pay dividends."

Senior Emmy Davidsmeyer (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the Pioneers with 14 kills.  Junior libero Kacie Wikierak (Crystal Lake, Ill.) turned in 10 digs, while junior Kresson Vreeman (Raymond, Minn.) and sophomore Jordan Raines (Coppell, Texas) contributed with nine and eight digs, respectively. 

After dropping the first set 25-15, the Pioneers attempted to keep the action close in set two. With the score 20-13 in favor of the Ducks, the Pioneers attempted a rally, going on a 6-4 run to pull within four. However, the Ducks sealed the final point of the set on a kill by Neticia Enesi.

The undefeated Ducks proved why they are one of the best in the nation with two players, Enesi and Sonja Newcombe, registering double-digit kills.

The Pioneers, who are 1-1 in the Pioneer Classic, will be in action again at 7:30 p.m. tonight when they take on No. 9 Minnesota in the final game of the tournament.  Follow the game live on Pioneer Vision.  For more information on the Pioneer Classic visit www.DenverPioneers.com.

- PIONEERS -