Box Score DENVER— The University of Denver women's volleyball team swept Fairleigh Dickinson 3-0 to kick off the Pioneer Showdown. The Crimson and Gold took down the Knights in three sets by scores of 25-14, 25-18, and 25-16.
With the victory, the Pioneers improved to 6-1 on the year, and pushed their winning streak a four matches.
"Tonight's match was a great way for us to begin our weekend," said head coach
Tom Hogan. "We improved on some aspects that we have been emphasizing all week, and we were able to develop our depth. We have two important matches tomorrow where we will have the opportunity to improve and grow as a team, and we will take it one match, one set and one point at a time."
Pioneer Performers:
Senior
Becca Latham led the team with 14 kills and a .579 hitting percentage, she continues to top the leader board for DU with 91 kills this season.
Katarina Marinkovic followed Latham with eight kills and two blocks, and
Ellie Anderson handed out team-high 21 assists.
Savage Serves from Bartalo:
Sophomore outside hitter
Lydia Bartalo earned a career high with five aces against Fairleigh Dickinson, surpassing her previous high (3) set against Saint Mary's and UC Irvine in the Utah Volleyball Classic.
RUN, PIOS, RUN:
The Pioneers hit their stride right out of the gate, tallying a six-point run early in opening set. Denver hit another sweet spot in set three, earning four straight points to ultimately take the victory over Fairleigh Dickinson.
Let's Talk Numbers:
DU tallied 49 kills, .386 hitting percentage, seven aces, 29 digs, and nine blocks. In 30 sets played in seven matches on the season, the Pioneers have racked up 399 kills, a .262 hitting percentage, 45 aces, 396 digs, and 58.5 blocks.
Tournament Update:
Denver enters final day of the Pioneer Showdown 1-0. Earlier in the tournament, Idaho State defeated Saint Peter's 3-0.
What's Next for DU:
DU will continue its efforts in the Pioneer Showdown on Saturday, Sept. 8. At 12 p.m. the Pioneers will face Saint Peter's (2-9) and at 7 p.sm. They'll compete against Idaho State (4-5). Next weekend on Sept. 14-15, DU will host the Denver Invitational, it's final of three-consecutive home tournaments.
