DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team (4-5) fell 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-19) to visiting Texas A&M (5-4) on Friday evening on the first day of the Pioneer Classic in Hamilton Gymnasium. Earlier in the day, the Aggies opened the Classic defeating Jacksonville State 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-16), followed by a 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-21) win by Notre Dame over Gonzaga.

"Overall I think we played much better than we did earlier this week," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "We lost a bit of our momentum toward the end of our first set and with so many young members on our team this year, it was hard for us to get it back and keep it going throughout the match. The positives from today are that we continue to improve step by step."

Freshman Brea Muhle (Columbus, Neb.) led the Pioneers with seven kills, while senior Kresson Vreeman (Raymond, Minn.) and junior Alyssa Bonelli (Superior, Colo.) finished with six kills each. Vreeman also finished the night with 15 assists, while senior Kacie Wikierak (Crystal Lake, Ill.) tallied 13 digs. Bonelli led the Pioneers at the net with three blocks.

Kelsey Black led the Aggies with 12 kills and 12 digs, while Chelsea Ringel finished with 10 kills. Setter Allie Sawatzky finished with 33 assists, while Black, Stephanie Minnerly and Lindsey Miller all recorded three blocks a piece.

The Classic continues on Saturday morning as Denver opens the day's action with a 12 p.m. match against Gonzaga, followed by a 2 p.m. match between Jacksonville State and Notre Dame. Following the 4 p.m. match between Gonzaga and Texas A&M, the Pioneers will play Jacksonville State at 6 p.m.

The Classic will close on Sunday with a match between Jacksonville State and Gonzaga at 11 a.m. and the Pioneers' final match against Notre Dame at 1 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for the 2010 Pioneer Classic are available for just $8 for adults through the DU Box Office, located on the West Concourse of the Rtichice Center. Children under the age of three and DU students with a valid Pioneer Card are free. Tickets can also be purchased through www.TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Groups of 20 or more can purchase group tickets for a discounted price by contacting Adam Sizemore at adam.sizemore@du.edu or (303) 871-2389.

- PIONEERS -