[RV] Pioneers Fall to Bears in Home Opener

Thursday, September 2

Denver, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Denver

3-1,0-0Summit League

Northern Colorado

3-0,0-0Big Sky

Team	1	2	3	Final F
Northern Colo.	25	25	25	3
Denver	21	19	17	0

Highlights

9/2/2021 7:59:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Highlights

Andrich with a match-high 10 kills

DENVER – The University of Denver Volleyball team fell in straight sets (21-25, 19-25, 17-25) to Northern Colorado (3-0) on Thursday night in Hamilton Gymnasium. The loss snapped the Pioneers three-match winning streak.

Inside the Box Score

Erica Andrich led DU with a match-high 10 kills, her second time this year in double figures.
Gianna Bartalo recorded 11 team-most 11 digs.
Tina Boe added seven kills.
Rachel Hickman led the Bears with 10 kills.

Significant Stats

DU dropped its first home opener since 2010.
The Pioneers' .075 hitting percentage was a season low.

Turning Point
UNC using a late run in the second set to go up 2-0 in the match.

1st Set
Both teams battled in a competitive first set, with neither building more than a two-point advantage. A late 3-0 run from Northern Colorado put them up 20-18, forcing Denver to take a timeout. The Pioneers tied it up with two straight coming out of the timeout, but it was the Bears who closed strong, taking the set 25-21.

2nd Set
Second set opened tight, with Denver taking a 9-8 advantage after winning a challenge on a point. UNC responded with four straight after that, forcing a timeout from the Crimson and Gold after a kill from Rachel Hickman. Denver though had an answer, going on a run to take the lead back after a Lorrin Poulter kill made it 16-15. Northern Colorado used another big run late to close out the set, 25-19.

3rd Set
Denver opened with a 5-2 run, highlighted by a big block from Brianna Green and Andrich. The Bears immediately countered with a 6-0 run, forcing a timeout from the Pioneers. It was all UNC after that, taking the set 25-17 and securing the victory.

Up Next
The Pioneers (3-1) continue the Denver Invitational with a match against Northeastern on Friday. First serve is set for 7 p.m. MT and can be seen on Pioneer Vision.

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