DENVER – The University of Denver women's volleyball team swept South Dakota State in its Summit League home opener (22, 18, 15) on Sunday afternoon inside Hamilton Gymnasium. 

DU has won its past 11 matches, and remains a perfect 10-0 at home in Hamilton. The Pioneers improve to 13-1 (2-0) for the season.

Becca Latham Leads the Way:
Senior Becca Latham tallied 13 kills against South Dakota State, bringing her season total to 173 in 14 matches. Over the past three-plus years with Denver, Latham has totaled 833 kills and 206 blocks, and has seen action in 376 sets.

Double Double-Doubles:
Sophomore Lydia Bartalo notched her second double-double of the weekend against South Dakota State, tallying 10 kills and 10 digs. On Friday, Sept. 21, she earned 14 kills and 16 digs against Oral Roberts.

Pioneer Performers:
Other notable student-athletes for Denver were Katarina Marinkovic (nine kills), Taylor Joachim (nine kills), Ellie Anderson (14 assists), Michelle Feliciano (13 assists), and Emma Willis (five blocks).

Running Away With It:
In the second set, Bartalo took the team on a six-point run, eventually leading to a 25-18 victory over the Jackrabbits. Bartalo tallied one service ace during the run, one of two for her in the match. Tina Boe led the team on a five-point run in set three. She tallied one ace this match.

Let's Talk Numbers:
As a team, Denver tallied 51 kills, .386 hitting percentage, 45 assists, six aces, 38 digs, and 9.5 total blocks against the Jackrabbits.

What's Next for DU:
The Pioneers will continue their efforts in the 2018 campaign on Sunday, Sept. 30 at North Dakota State. DU won't be back to play in Hamilton until Oct. 12 when it faces Fort Wayne.

TICKETS: 
Single-game tickets for the 2018 Denver volleyball season are also 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.