DENVER- The University of Denver volleyball team locked in its seventh-straight Summit League tournament championship appearance following a 3-1 victory (20-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-22) over Purdue Fort Wayne in Hamilton Gymnasium on Saturday.

The win marks the Pioneers 22^nd win of the season, improving them to 22-7 on the year. The 'Dons end their 2019 campaign with an 18-14 overall record.

PFW came out hot jumping to a quick 4-2 lead. The Pios held their own, using a 3-0 run to tie things at seven. With the score deadlocked once again at 11, the 'Dons found their groove, going on a 7-1 tear to jump on top 18-12. PFW didn't take their foot off the pedal down the stretch, taking three of the final four points to secure the set one victory at 25-20.

DU used a 4-0 run early in set two to take a 5-1 lead. The 'Dons were able to climb within three but a pair of Pio blocks and a kill from Amanda Green put them on top 19-11. Denver used another 4-0 run to grab a 23-12 advantage, lifting them to a 25-15 second set victory.

Exchanging points to open the third frame, the Pioneers finally broke through with seven consecutive points to give themselves a 13-4 lead. The 'Dons did their best to chip away at the Pio lead, going on a 4-0 run to climb within six. Denver's offense continued to dominate, with kills from Ari Winters and Lydia Bartalo closing out the set at 25-19.

Denver surged to a 6-3 lead early in the fourth set but PFW wouldn't back down. A series of tie scores midway through was snapped by the 'Dons when they took the lead at 17-16. A pair of kills from Bartalo gave Denver a 21-17 advantage and the momentum the Pios needed to close out the match, clinching the fourth frame 25-22.

Bartalo led the Denver offense with 19 kills on the night. Kalea Fobert, A. Green and Winters each added double-digit kill performances in the win. Brianna Green led the defense with five blocks while Macy Carrabine notched 10 digs. Freshman setter Lorrin Poulter locked in a career high of 28 assists through four sets.

DU returns to action on Sunday in the championship match against Omaha (2 PM MT).  

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