MACOMB, ILL. – The University of Denver Volleyball team closed out its road trip convincingly on Saturday, defeating Western Illinois in four sets (23-25, 25-19. 25-19, 25-16) in Western Hall. The Pioneers pushed their win streak to six and improved to 18-2 (9-1 SL) on the season.
Inside the Box Score
Significant Stats
- DU improved to 18-0 all time against Leathernecks.
- The Pioneers' 18-2 start to the year is their best since 2018.
- DU now has a road record of 14-1 in its last 15 matches.
- The Crimson and Gold improved to 18-0 when holding teams to under a .200 hitting percentage.
Turning Point
A late run in the second set to even the match up at 1-1.
1st Set
Both teams traded points to start, resulting in an 8-8 tie. Western Illinois used a quick 3-0 run after that, forcing the Pioneers to take a timeout. The Leathernecks got the next two points coming out of the timeout, giving them their biggest lead at 13-8 before an attack error from them snapped the 5-0 run. But DU fought its way back, tying it up at 21-21 after a set error from WIU. Western Illinois came up big late, taking the first set 25-23.
2nd Set
Denver responded to start the second, doubling up the Leathernecks at 10-5 to start. Pioneers pushed the lead to six at 20-14 after an attack error from WIU, causing them to take a timeout. DU put it away on a kill from Bartalo, her fifth of the day, to take it 25-19.
3rd Set
The Crimson and Gold took the third set, 25-19 behind some good offense. For the set, Denver hit .386 while recording 20 kills.
4th Set
The Pioneers put it away with their most complete set, taking it 25-16. The Crimson and Gold hit .316 for the set while limiting the Leathernecks to .111.
Up Next
The Pioneers (18-2, 9-1 SL) return home for a showdown with the Omaha Mavericks next Saturday. First serve is set for 1 p.m. MT in Hamilton Gymnasium.
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