DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball team will return home on Sunday to face Western Illinois in a 12 PM matchup in Hamilton Gymnasium.

Holding a 12-6 overall record and 4-3 standing in Summit League action, the Pios are coming off a five set victory at Omaha. The five-set victory featured a career performance from junior kill-leader Lydia Bartalo. Bartalo slammed 21 kills in the Pioneers victory to bring her set average to 2.97 per set. Junior middle blocker Tina Boe has made her presence known in the past few matches, ranking fifth in the Summit League in hitting percentage at .323. Ellie Anderson continues to serve up the offense, leading the team in assists with 322. Brianna Green still ranks at the top of the Summit League with an average of 1.35 blocks per set. As a team, Denver has 830 kills on the year to go along with 144 blocks.

SCOUTING WIU: Western Illinois is 5-14 on the year and 2-4 in Summit League play. They will come to Denver following a Friday night match against South Dakota. The Leathernecks two Summit League wins have come against South Dakota State and Oral Roberts. With an offense led by senior outside hitter, JoJo Kruize the Leathernecks average 10.94 kills per set. Defensively, Mackenzie Steckler ranks second in the Summit League in blocks per set with 1.36. As a team the Leathernecks have totaled 143 blocks through 19 matches and average 12.77 digs per set.

LAST MATCHUP: The Pios enter Sunday holding a 12-0 series record against the Leathernecks, the last matchup coming on November 9^th, 2018 when the Pios downed WIU 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21). The Pios out-hit the Leathernecks in the match .353-.259.

Sunday's matchup will serve as Denver's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Any breast cancer survivors can request free tickets by emailing Heather.Schiraldi@du.edu or calling (303) 871-3938.

DENVER TICKET OFFICE:
Tickets for volleyball games during the 2019 season are on sale now and can be purchased here.

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.
 
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