MACOMB – The University of Denver women's volleyball team took down Western Illinois in four sets on Friday night to remain undefeated in Summit League matches this season (14-0). The Crimson and Gold handed the Leathernecks their 25th loss of the year by scores of 20-25, 25-19, 25-21 and 25-21.

With the win, Denver improved to 25-1 for the 2018 season and extended its win streak to 23 consecutive matches.

Lydia Bartalo lead the DU offense with 15 kills, a .500 hitting percentage (tied season-high), nine digs and 17.5 points.

Pioneer Performers:
Katarina Marinkovic followed Bartalo (15) with 13 kills, the two notched exactly half of Denver's 56 total kills.

Becca Latham and Tina Boe tallied nine kills apiece, while Ellie Anderson accumulated 28 assists, upping her season total to 607. Macy Carrabine totaled 14 digs to lead the Denver defense.

Slow Start, Strong Finish:
Western Illinois came out of the gate fired up, enough so that Denver lost the set one contest for only the fifth time this season. The Pioneers are now 21-5 in first sets on the year. The Crimson and Gold buckled down to win the next three, knocking off the Leathernecks 3-1.

DU ended the fourth set with a .419 hitting percentage, the highest of the match, earning 16 kills in 31 attempts to bring home the victory.

Success From Behind the Line:
Boe and Carrabine led the team with three aces each, contributing to Denver's nine aces overall. Bartalo upped her season total to 57 service aces on the year, tallying two against the Leathernecks.

Let's Talk Numbers:
Denver totaled 56 kills in 116 attempts, 51 assists, nine aces, three blocks and a .353 hitting percentage against Western Illinois.

The Leathernecks closely followed the Pioneers; totaling 48 kills in 116 attempts, 46 assists, eight aces, seven blocks and a .259 hitting percentage.

What's Next for DU:
Denver will finish up its 2018 regular season schedule on Sunday, Nov. 11 at Purdue Fort Wayne at 11 a.m. MT. The Crimson and Gold will then return home to Hamilton Gymnasium to host the 2018 Summit League Tournament on Nov. 16-18.

TICKETS: 
Tickets for the 2018 Summit League Tournament are on sale and can be purchased here.
 
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.