run LOS ANGELES – The University of Denver Volleyball team got the start it was looking for to open the season on Friday, dropping Cal State Northridge in straight sets (25-18, 25-15, 25-21) to get its first win of the year.

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers have now won their last five season-opening matches.
• Lydia Bartalo led the team with a match-high 11 kills.
• Gianna Bartalo had a career-high 13 digs in the victory.
• Hailey Green made an impressive collegiate debut, recording eight kills on the day.
• DU recorded eight aces in the contest.

Significant Stats

• DU has now won its last 10 regular-season matches away from Hamilton Gymnasium.
• Pioneers had five players record at least five kills.

Turning Point
A dominant 11-5 run to open the second set.

1st Set
Denver rushed out to a 4-0 advantage to start the match before Cal State Northridge tied things up at 7-7. The Pioneers pushed their lead to three at 17-14 with strong play in the middle of the set. DU closed with a flurry, going on an 8-4 run to take the first set, 25-18.

2nd Set
The Crimson and Gold opened with a stellar 11-5 run to open the second set, capped off by a Gianna Bartalo ace, forcing the Matadors to call a timeout. Denver continued to separate from there, taking the second set with a commanding performance, 25-15.

3rd Set
The third set opened differently, with both teams trading off on scoring points. The Pioneers got separation after a kill from Brianna Green put DU up two at 12-10, triggering a quick 4-2 run. CSUN did close the gap back to one at 19-18 after a handling error from Poulter. But it was All Denver and Bartalo after that, closing with a 6-3 with three kills coming from the Colorado Springs native.

Up Next
The Pioneers (1-0) hit the floor again tonight at 8:30 PM MT for a showdown with Southern California.

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