DENVER – The University of Denver women's volleyball team earned its sixth-consecutive trip to the Summit League Tournament Final with a sweep over Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers defeated the Mastodons by scores of 27-25, 25-13 and 25-20.
Denver extended its win streak to 25 matches, and improved to 27-1 on the year.
After
Katarina Marinkovic left the match early in set one,
Graceyn Tippens stepped up for the Pioneers. The 5-foot-11 freshman had eight kills against the Mastodons, and accumulated a .444 hitting percentage. This is her first match seeing action in all three sets.
Pioneer Performers:
Senior
Becca Latham led the team with nine kills on Saturday, followed by
Emma Willis and Tippens who each totaled eight. Willis posted a .400 hitting percentage to help lead the Denver offense.
Ellie Anderson upped her season total to 650 assists on the year, accumulating 22 against the Mastodons.
Anderson and
Lydia Bartalo shared the top spot for digs with 10 apiece.
Turning Point:
After pulling out a tight first set, ending the frame on a 3-0 run to take it 27-25, Bartalo took the team on a nine-point run in the second set to give them a comfortable 20-8 lead, going on to ultimately win the set 25-13.
Let's Talk Numbers:
Denver totaled 44 kills in 103 attempts, 40 assists, five aces, five blocks and a .282 hitting percentage against Purdue Fort Wayne. The Pioneers held the Mastodons to only six kills in the second set.
What's Next for DU:
With the victory, Denver will advance to the 2018 Summit League Tournament Championship, held on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers will face the winner of the South Dakota vs. North Dakota State match, set to be played at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17.
TICKETS:
Tickets for the 2018 Summit League Tournament are on sale and can be purchased
here.
TOGETHER 4 COLORADO TOY DRIVE:
The Pioneers have partnered with CBS4 for the Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive to support the Denver community during the holiday season. Beginning Nov. 17, there will be toy drops at every Denver Athletics and Newman Center event thru Dec. 19. Additionally, there will be a Community Shop 'n Drop on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., hosted by the Denver Cheerleading squad at the circle drive on the north side of the Ritchie Center.
PIONEER MOVEMENT:
Fans interested in making a donation to the volleyball program can do so by
clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
