Box Score DENVER, COLO- The University of Denver volleyball team fell to South Dakota in a five set battle on Sunday afternoon (25-23 ,25-11, 25-20, 25-16, 15-13).
The Pios drop to 10-6 on the season and 2-2 in Summit League play. The Coyotes continue their impressive start as they improve to 15-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in conference action.
South Dakota came out strong in the opening set, grabbing a 6-2 advantage out of the gate. The Pios used a 4-0 run midway through to charge back and tie things at 12 but were unable to battle back down the stretch as the Coyotes took two of the final three points to win the set 25-23.
The Pios answered early on in set two, jumping out to a 4-1 lead to begin the frame. Denver went on a 12-0 run to end the set, three of those points coming off of kills from junior outside hitter
Lydia Bartalo helping the Pios sail to a 25-11 victory in set two.
An 8-0 run midway through was the difference for DU in set three to give themselves a 14-10 lead. The Coyotes threatened in the final points, going on a 3-0 run to stall the Pios from taking the set, but senior
Katie Mahoney shut down their comeback efforts with a kill to seal the set three victory for the Pios at 25-20.
The Crimson and Gold fell behind early in set four, with South Dakota snagging a 16-7 lead midway through. The Pioneers battled back to cut the deficit to as little as five at 16-11 but the Coyote offense refused to back down, taking the set 25-16.
Looking to carry their momentum into the fifth set, USD was able to snatch the opening two points of the frame. After the Crimson and Gold came back to tie things at three, the South Dakota went on a 4-0 tear to secure a 7-3 lead. Hungry for a comeback, DU went on a 3-0 run to pull themselves within one but were unable to finish, falling in the final set 15-13.
Bartalo recorded a career-high of 18 kills to go along with 15 digs in order to post her third double-double of the season. Junior middle blocker,
Tina Boe also locked in a double-double for the Pios recording 10 kills and 10 digs. Boe also recorded a team high six blocks. Freshman setter,
Lorrin Poulter led the Pioneer offense with 20 assists while junior
Ellie Anderson added 19 on the day, lifting her above the 1,500 career assist mark. Junior libero
Macy Carrabine, added a team high and season high 28 digs through the five sets.
Denver returns to action on Friday with a 2 PM MT road matchup against North Dakota.
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