DENVER- The University of Denver volleyball team locked in its fifth Summit League Tournament Championship in program history in a 3-1 victory (25-21, 25-13, 22-25, 25-18) over Omaha on Sunday in Hamilton Gymnasium.

Denver improves to 23-7 on the season while Omaha ends its season at a 19-14 overall mark. The title clinches an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament for the Pioneers, which marks their sixth consecutive appearance into the postseason. 

Omaha came out strong in the opening set, grabbing the first three points before Denver tied things at five. DU sprung ahead with a 3-0 run to take a 14-11 lead midway through. Despite late efforts from the Mavericks, the Pios held on to their lead, clinching the first set victory at 25-21.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the second frame and used a 3-0 run midway through to go up 12-6. Omaha was unable to close the gap as the Pioneer offense was too much to handle as they finished the set on a 5-1 run to secure the frame 25-13.

The Crimson and Gold were hot to open set three, with kills from Kalea Fobert and Tina Boe locking in a quick 3-0 lead. Tied at 10, Omaha found some momentum using a trio of kills to grab a 14-11 lead. The Pios stormed back to tie things at 19 but were unable to close the set as Omaha sealed the deal at 25-22.  

Denver used a 4-0 run to snag a 9-4 lead to open the fourth frame. Later in the set, UNO went on a 6-2 run to cut the deficit to six at 18-12. The Pioneers shut down the Maverick threat, scoring four consecutive points to close out the set at 25-18.  

As a team, Denver hit .301 while they held Omaha to a .166 attack percentage. Summit League Tournament MVP Lydia Bartalo led the offensive attack, recording 16 kills while Fobert chipped in 13 of her own.

Brianna Green recorded a team high nine blocks while Macy Carrabine notched a team-best 14 digs.

Amanda Green and Boe joined Bartalo on the all-tournament team.

The Pios will return to action Saturday in Magness Arena as they face Colorado State (2 PM MT) before the 2019 NCAA Selection Show Sunday at 6:30 p.m. MT on ESPNU. 
 
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