BROOKINGS, S.D.  – The University of Denver volleyball team bounced back on Saturday, taking out the Jackrabbits in straight sets (25-22-25-22, 25-21) at Frost Arena in Summit League play. The Pioneers improved to 22-4 (13-3 SL) on the year.

Inside the Box Score

• Brianna Green had her best match of the year, going for a season-high 13 kills with a .722 hitting percentage and five blocks.
• Hailey Green was the other Pioneer in double-figure kills, totaling 12 on the afternoon.
• Tina Boe and Ari Winters each added seven kills
• Lydia Bartalo made history, recording her 1,000th career dig in the win.

Significant Stats

• DU has won 18 in a row against South Dakota State.
• Bartalo became the third player in the program's DI era (1998-pres.) to record at least 1,000 career kills and digs.
• Denver improved 16-2 on the road since Jan. 1.
• The Pioneers are now 13-0 when hitting at least .300 in a match this year.

Turning Point
A 4-0 run late in the third set to take it from a one-point contest at 17-16 to 21-16 for DU.

1st Set
Denver got the start it wanted, going up 9-4 after a block from Brianna Green and Lydia Bartalo. South Dakota State, though, went on a run, tying it a 12-12 after an ace by Tatum Pickar. The teams then traded points, keeping it close in the mid portion of the set. Pioneers built a three-point lead at 20-17 after a block from Boe and Hailey Green, forcing the Jackrabbits to take a timeout. DU kept up the attack from there, taking the set 25-22.

2nd Set
Neither team found separation to start the second set, leading to a tie at 7-7. Denver took advantage late in the set, breaking an 18-18 tie to go up 23-21 after a kill from Brianna Green, her eighth of the afternoon. Pioneers closed out the set on a big block from Lorrin Poulter and Boe.

3rd Set
Denver opened the final set of the day up 5-3. The Pioneers came up clutch on a big rally that also saw Lydia Bartalo pick up her 1,000th career dig to go up 10-7. The Crimson and Gold made their move late with a 4-0 run to take it from a one-point contest at 17-16 to 21-16. Denver closed it out from there on a kill from Boe.

Up Next
The Pioneers (22-4, 13-3 SL) return home to host their final two regular season matches. First up, a contest with Kansas City on Thursday at 12 p.m. MT in Hamilton Gymnasium.  

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Masks are required at all indoor athletic events. For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here  

DONATE: Fans interested in making a donation to the Pioneers Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will transform the lives of our student-athletes by giving them the first-class resources needed to excel in the classroom, in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for Building Pioneers for Life!
 
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Volleyball on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Volleyball on Twitter
Follow @denverpioneers and @duvolleyball on Instagram