DENVER - The University of Denver volleyball team opened up conference play Friday night with its first sweep of the 2011 season. Led by junior Faimie Kingsley's (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 16 kills and two blocks, the Pioneers (4-9, 1-0) defeated Florida Atlantic (FAU) in three sets (25-11, 25-21, 25-20).

"This was a great way to get the conference schedule started," said head coach Beth Kuwata. "I couldn't be more happy for our team but we still have some things to work on before Florida International on Sunday."

Redshirt-senior Julia Cawthra (Lakewood, Colo.) once again ran the offense to perfection with her 36-assist, seven-dig performance. Sophomore Alex Turgeon (Cherry Hills Village, Colo.) and redshirt-freshman Kate Oakes (Evergreen, Colo.) also gave the Pioneers a good push as both recorded seven kills on the night.

Kingsley made her mark early on in the match, tallying eight kills and recording a .889 attack percentage in the first set alone. DU dominated the match from first serve getting out to a 6-0 lead to start and finished with a .593 hitting percentage in the opening set.

Despite the apparent height advantage the Owls possessed, DU was able to record more kills and blocks than its counterpart. The Pioneers used their fast start as momentum throughout the rest of the match, trailing only once during the start of the third and final set.

The Pioneers return to the floor Sunday afternoon as they take on Florida International at 12 p.m. in Hamilton Gymnasium.

Visit DenverPioneers.com for the most comprehensive coverage of Denver volleyball, as well as all of DU's 17 athletic programs.

-PIONEERS-