DENVER – The University of Denver Volleyball team continued its stellar play on Saturday, knocking off Big 10 foe Iowa in three sets (25-22, 25-16, 25-23) in Hamilton. The victory pushed the Pioneer winning streak to six and upped their record to 9-1 on the year.

Inside the Box Score

• Lydia Bartalo finished with a team-high nine kills, snapping a three-match streak in double figures.
• Bartalo also added three aces in the win.
• Denver had four players with at least five kills.

Significant Stats

• DU recorded a season-high 10 blocks, the seventh straight match with at least eight.
• The Pioneers win puts them at 101-9 at home since 2014, fifth best record in all of the NCAA during that stretch.
• Denver has now started 9-1 for a second straight season.
• The Crimson and Gold have now recorded its first season since 2008 with multiple Power 5 wins. The Pioneers defeated Arkansas, Virginia, Iowa and Tennessee during that season.

Turning Point
A late run capped off by Ari Winters to secure the victory.

1st Set
Denver took command early with a 5-1 run, highlighted by a pair of aces from Bartalo. The Pioneers built their lead to as large as seven at 21-14 after a power kill from Winters. Iowa countered with a 6-1 run to make it a one-point contest at 22-21 after a failed challenge from the Crimson and Gold. Denver got a clutch set victory after an ace from Gianna Bartalo made it 25-22.

2nd Set
Second set started close before a push from Denver made it 10-5 after an ace from Ellie Anderson, the team's fifth of the night. The Hawkeyes, though, made their own run, closing to within one after an ace from Amiya Jones made it 11-10. Denver then found separation to go up five at 19-14 after a huge block from Tina Boe, the seventh by the Pioneers of the contest. DU wrapped up the set after a back-to-back attack errors Courtney Buzzerio.

3rd Set
Both teams traded points, resulting in a 5-5 tie to begin. Things remained close until a quick 3-0 run from Denver put them up 16-13. But Iowa fought back with its own 3-0 run to tie it back up at 16-16. Denver, though, finished it off with a late push on and forced the Hawkeyes into tough attacks, resulting in back-to-back errors to give the Pioneers the win. 

Up Next
The Pioneers (9-1) starts up Summit League play with two home matches next weekend. First up, a meeting with Western Illinois on Thursday.

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