DENVER - Behind strong performances from redshirt freshman Cassie Ronda (Chandler, Ariz.) and junior Faimie Kingsley (Brooklyn, N.Y.), the University of Denver was able to defeat Arkansas Little-Rock 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 25-15) Friday night in Hamilton Gymnasium.  

"I thought we did a really good job with serving today," head coach Beth Kuwata said. "I think that made a huge difference for us in today's match and hopefully we can carry this over into Sunday's contest."

Denver (11-15, 8-6 SBC) was able to out-dig UALR, while also tallying more assists, kills and blocks than the Trojans. This was the Pioneers second victory over fellow-SBC West Division foe Arkansas Little-Rock (10-17, 5-8 SBC) this season. The Pioneers also recorded a season-high 10 service aces in the match.

 

Kingsley and Ronda led the Pioneers with 14 kills apiece. Kingsley also led Denver in blocks with six, while junior Lyndi Johnson (Flower Mound, Texas) recorded 12 digs to pace DU. Julia Cawthra (Lakewood, Colo.) facilitated the Pioneer offense and produced a double-double, tallying 47 assists while also recording eleven digs.

The first frame saw a closely played set by both teams. The Pioneers got down late in the set, but orchestrated a comeback, taking the first set by three points. DU came out poised in the second set, taking an early 4-0 lead. Led by Kinglsey's five kills, the Pioneers were able to fight off a late surge from the Trojans and take the 2-0 lead going into the intermission.

The Trojans got off to a fast start in the third set, but the Pioneers refused to concede to their SBC foe. Despite the feisty comeback, UALR was able to take the third set, and keep their hopes of a comeback victory alive going into the fourth set.

The final set was a mirror image of the second frame for the Pioneers, as they started out with a 7-2 lead and dominated the rest of the way. DU recorded a .371 hitting percentage for the set, while also tallying 17 kills.

Next up, the Pioneers return to Hamilton Gymnasium Sunday at 1 p.m. MT, where they will go serve-for-serve with SBC West Division leader Arkansas State.

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