DENVER— For the fifth-consecutive year, the University of Denver women's volleyball team will compete in the NCAA Tournament, receiving its first-ever at-large bid. On Friday, Nov. 30, the Pioneers will face Utah at 4 p.m. MT in Provo, Utah as they look to advance to the second round for the first time in program history.

DU's first trip to the NCAA's came during the 2014 season when the Crimson and Gold fell in three sets to Colorado State. The following three seasons (2015-17), Denver lost 0-3 against Washington, Stanford and Cal Poly.  

DU's 27-2 record is the best mark in program history, and its two losses came from five-set thrillers. The Pioneers fell to then-No. 19 Utah on Aug. 25, and South Dakota in the Summit League Tournament Final on Nov. 18.

The last time Denver faced Utah the Pioneers totaled 64 kills, 63 assists, 67 digs, four aces and 10 blocks. The Utes tallied 70 kills, 64 assists, 65 digs, eight aces and 12 blocks. Katarina Marinkovic led the DU offense with 18 kills, followed by Becca Latham (15) and Lydia Bartalo (12). Dani Drews led Utah with 24 kills, followed by Gauta Lauga (17) and Grace Phoebe (13).

The Utes are 18-13 on the year and wrapped up Pac-12 play with a 10-10 conference mark. Utah enters the tournament on a three-game winning streak, having defeated Colorado 3-1 (Nov. 23), USC 3-0 (Nov. 21) and Oregon State 3-2 (Nov. 16). Drews leads the team with 491 kills, Bailey Choy leads with 1,039 assists and Brianna Doehrmann leads with 463 digs.

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.