DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team (6-7, 0-1 SBC) fell 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-22) to Middle Tennessee (8-4, 1-0 SBC) on Friday night in Hamilton Gymnasium in its first Sun Belt Conference match of the season.

"Overall, it was a much better effort from the entire team than it was last weekend," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "Our blocking, our hitting and our defense continued to get better as the match went on, however it wasn't quite enough. We have all the tools to be a very good team, but we are struggling with a few injuries so it's limiting our progress."

Senior Kresson Vreeman (Raymond, Minn.) led the Pioneers with eight kills, 11 assists and three blocks, while junior Alyssa Bonelli (Superior, Colo.) and freshman Brea Muhle (Columbus, Neb.) added seven kills. Muhle also finished with three blocks, while senior libero Kacie Wikierak (Crystal Lake, Ill.) finished with 14 digs.

Izbela Kozon led the Blue Raiders with 14 kills and Ashley Adams added 12, while setter Angela Peyton finished with 31 assists.

The Pioneers continue tomorrow with an 11 a.m. match against VCU and then a 7 p.m. match against Long Beach State. Hamilton Gymnasium will also be the site of two neutral site matches on Saturday afternoon between Middle Tennessee and Long Beach State at 1 p.m. and Middle Tennessee and Virginia Commonwealth at 5 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available for just $8 for adults through the DU Box Office, located on the West Concourse of the Ritchie 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 -