DENVER -The University of Denver volleyball team (13-15, 7-6 SBC) fell to the visiting Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-6, 11-1 SBC) 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 27-25) on Friday evening in Hamilton Gymnasium.

"Despite the loss, we put forth one of our best performances of the season," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "We fought in each match and really forced them to play at our rhythm and pace. It's unfortunate that we were unable to get the win, but I am really proud of the team's effort."

Senior Kresson Vreeman (Raymond, Minn.) led the Pioneers with eight kills, while also tallying 26 assists, seven digs and two blocks. Also turning in strong performances for the Pioneers was freshman Alex Turgeon (Cherry Hills Village, Colo.) and sophomore Faimie Kingsley (Brooklyn, N.Y.) with six kills each.

Leading the way defensively was senior Kacie Wikierak (Crystal Lake, Ill.) and sophomore Lyndi Johnson (Flower Mound, Texas) with 10 digs each, while freshman Brea Muhle (Columbus, Neb.) finished with four blocks.

Tiffany Elmore led the Hilltoppers with 11 kills, while Melanie Stutsman finished with 36 assists.

Next up, the Pioneers head to Arkansas for a two-match road swing, beginning first with Arkansas State on Friday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. The Pioneers close out the trip on Sunday, Nov. 7 at Arkansas-Little Rock at 11 a.m.

- PIONEERS -