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.

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