DENVER— The University of Denver women's volleyball team defeated UC Santa Barbara in its first game of the Denver Classic, 3-2, on Friday. The Pioneers won in five sets over the Gauchos by margins of 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 11-25 and 25-23.
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Denver improves to 3-1 on the year. The Crimson and Gold have gone to five sets in three of their four matches this season, posting a 2-1 mark in those contests.
"I'm proud of this team for the fight and grit they showed tonight", said head coach
Tom Hogan. "We may not have played at our best, but we did what it took to pull out a win against a great team in Santa Barbara. We now need to recover and rest as we set our sights on the two matches we have tomorrow."
Pioneers Hit the Ground Running:
After a back-and-forth rally for several minutes, Denver took the lead and didn't look back in the first set. Led by senior
Emma Willis, who tallied nine kills, (.350 Hit percentage) in the win. The Crimson and Gold won the first set 25-22.Â
Bombs by Boe:
Sophomore
Tina Boe led the Pioneers in kills against UC Santa Barbara, tallying 16 kills, a .520 hit percentage, seven digs and two blocks. Boe has remained a consistent competitor for Denver, earning a total of 25 kills and 34.5 points on Aug. 24-25 in the Utah Volleyball Classic.
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Assists from Denver Setters:
Sophomore
Ellie Anderson and junior
Andrea Eddy tallied 52 of Denver's 60 assists from the match against UCSB. Anderson currently leads the team in assists with 99 on the season.
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Bartalo Dominates in Fifth Set:
Arguably the most competitive fifth set ever seen in Hamilton Gymnasium, the Pioneers conquered the Gauchos 25-23 to win the match. Sophomore
Lydia Bartalo highlighted the thrilling set, tallying five kills, two blocks and two assists in the set alone. The underclassman scored the final point of the match (assisted by Anderson) to ensure the victory.
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Let's Talk Numbers:
Denver posted a total of 65 kills, 69 digs, .225 attack percentage, six aces and five blocks against UC Santa Barbara.
What's Next for DU:
On Saturday, Sep. 1 the Pioneers will continue the campaign in the Denver Classic. At 12 p.m. MT they will face McNeese State (0-4) and come 7 p.m. MT they'll compete against Sacramento State (2-3). Fans are encouraged to join DU's efforts to support Saint Sebastian charity by bringing any old or used athletic gear they're willing to donate to Saturday's evening match.
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