MACOMB, Ill. - The University of Denver volleyball team closed out regular season Summit League play with a sweep of Western Illinois (25-15, 25-17, 25-21) on Sunday.

Denver improves to 21-7 overall and an overall Summit League record of 13-3. The Leathernecks fall to 6-23 and finish the regular season 3-13 in conference action.

Western Illinois came out swinging, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead to force a Denver timeout. Coming out of the huddle, the Pioneers battled back, deadlocking things at seven following a pair of kills from Kalea Fobert and a service ace from Tina Boe. DU used another kill from Fobert to take its first lead of the match at 15-14 before closing the set on a 9-0 run to sail to a 25-15 victory.

The Pioneers grabbed an early lead in the second set, taking a 6-2 lead right out of the gate. The Crimson and Gold kept their foot on the pedal, using a 4-0 run to pick up a 12-6 lead and force a Western Illinois timeout. The Leathernecks were unable to recover from the deficit as Denver kept a steady lead throughout, walking away with a 25-17 second set win.

The Leathernecks went toe-to-toe with the Pios in the opening points of the third frame, knotting things at five despite a 4-0 start from DU. The Pioneers saw their lead grow midway through following a 7-0 tear but WIU threatened with the help of a 4-0 run to cut the Denver lead to 21-16. Western Illinois continued to battle, climbing within two at 22-20 but the Pios refused to back down, taking three of the final four points to end the set at 25-21.

Lydia Bartalo and Fobert led the Crimson and Gold with seven kills each while Ellie Anderson notched a team high, 13 assists. Fobert also chipped in a career high of six blocks. Macy Carrabine led the defensive efforts, recording 13 digs through three sets.

DU will return to action in the Summit League Tournament as they host the six-team field in Hamilton Gymnasium beginning on Friday. The Summit League will announce the championship bracket following the conclusion of all Summit League matches on Sunday.

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