DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team (1-4) split in the opening day of the DU Invitational, dropping their first match of the day against the Air Force Falcons 0-3 (18-25, 23-25, 19-25) and then rebounding against the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-15) to finish 1-1 on the first day in the Invitational at Hamilton Gymnasium.

"We played a much better match tonight than we did this morning," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "During the break between matches we talked about regaining our focus and preparing ourselves mentally for any opponent. I think we did a better job of that tonight and I'm proud of the girls."

Senior Emmy Davidsmeyer (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the Pioneers with 18 kills and a hitting percentage of .400 against the Falcons and 15 kills and a .700 hitting percentage against the Thunderbirds. For the day, Davidsmeyer finished with a total of 33 kills and a .520 hitting percentage.

Supporting the kills of Davidsmeyer was junior Kresson Vreeman (Raymond, Minn.) who tallied 35 assists in the first match and 28 in the second for a total of 63 assists for the day. Freshmen Faimie Kingsley (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Brianna Zimlich (Fort Collins, Colo.) continued to impress at the net, posting five blocks apiece for the day.

As team, Denver recorded 79 kills, compared to its opponents' 62, out-assisted its opponents 71-58 and out blocked both teams 8-0.

After struggling against the Falcons earlier in the day, the Pioneers regrouped in their second match of the day turning in a three-set domination of the Thunderbirds that gave them their first victory of the season.

Other action in the DU Invitational included a 3-0 (32-30, 25-21, 26-24) defeat of Eastern Illinois (3-3) by West Virginia (4-1).  Eastern Illinois then went on to play Southern Utah winning 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21). West Virginia then took on Air Force dominating the Falcons in three sets with scores of 25-21, 25-19, and 25-22.

Action continues tomorrow with an 11 a.m. match between Air Force and Southern Utah, followed by Denver's 1 p.m. match against Eastern Illinois.  At 3 p.m. West Virginia will take on Southern Utah and at 5 p.m. Air force will play Eastern Illinois. Denver will conclude play at the DU Invitational in a match against West Virginia at 7:30 p.m.

- PIONEERS -