LINCOLN- The University of Denver volleyball team kicked off the Ameritas Players Challenge with a 3-2 victory over Loyola Marymount on Friday morning.

The win improves the Pios to 6-1 on the season while the Lions drop to 3-4 on the year.

LMU used the help of a 9-0 run midway through the opening set to give themselves a six-point advantage, leading them to a 25-20 victory to begin the match.

A pair of early runs for Denver and six tied scores throughout the second set tested both teams. Freshman Brianna Green broke through for the Pio offense adding four kills in the set, including a pair down the stretch to lead DU to a 25-21 victory.

Posting a team-high 12 kills, junior Lydia Bartalo came alive in the third set with a trio of kills early on but it wasn't enough to lift the Pioneers to a third set victory, as the Lions used a late 3-0 run to take the set 25-20. 

With their backs against the wall, Denver jumped on top with a 15-12 midway through the fourth set. Freshman Lorrin Poulter recorded a career-high six kills in the set to help the Crimson and Gold pull off  a tight 25-23 to push their first five-set match of the season.

Freshman Ari Winters shined in the final set, adding three kills along the way to set up a 13-10 Pios lead and force a LMU timeout. In the end, it was a Tina Boe kill that sealed the deal for the Pioneers as they secured the match 3-2 following a 15-12 set five victory.

Along with her career-high eight kills, Poulter also added 19 assists and three digs coming off the bench. Other top performers were junior setter Ellie Anderson who posted a season-high 13 digs while Green led the defense with three blocks. Junior libero Macy Carrabine locked in a team-high 13 digs in the five-set battle.

The Crimson and Gold return to action tonight taking on No. 2 Nebraska (6:30 p.m. MT)

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

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