LINCOLN- The University of Denver volleyball team fell 3-0 to No. 2 Nebraska in game two of their Friday doubleheader at the Ameritas Players Challenge.  

This was the first top-five team the Pios have faced during their 2019 campaign and second top-20 matchup in the opening weeks of the season.

The Huskers remain undefeated on the year as they improve to 6-0 while the Pioneers drop to 6-2 overall.

DU came out strong in the opening set, holding their own against the potent Husker attack. With three tie scores in the opening 15-points of action, Nebraska was finally able to break through taking an 18-13 lead midway through. A pair of kills coming from junior outside hitter, Lydia Bartalo led to a 4-0 run by the Crimson and Gold in order to cut the defecit to 19-18. Bartalo's six kills in set one led her to a team-high eleven kills on the night. Denying the Huskers of consecutive set-points, Denver battled back once again to get within one at 24-23 but NU was able to prevail, snatching the final point of the first set and recording a 25-23 victory.

Nebraska found their groove in set two taking a big lead early on with the help of a 9-0 run .The Pios answered with a 4-1 spurt of their own, featuring kills from Amanda Green and Katie Mahoney. Using another three-point run, Denver was able to bring themselves within seven at 16-23 but the Huskers refused to back down running away with the second set 25-17.

Nebraska kept their foot on the pedal, controlling the tempo in set three. Denver was able to muster up a 5-1 spurt on the Huskers with a pair of kills from Bartalo and A.Green but their final efforts came up short. Nebraska handed the Pioneers their second loss of the season with a 25-12 third-set victory as they locked in the sweep.

Other offensive leaders for the Pios were Ellie Anderson with nine assists followed by Lorrin Poulter who added seven in her first collegiate start. Defensively, Macy Carrabine led DU in digs with nine while Brianna Green added a team-high two blocks.

The Crimson and Gold return to action tomorrow in their final game of the tournament, taking on High Pont (4:00 p.m. MT).

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