DENVER – The University of Denver Volleyball team finished up the Denver Invitational in style on Saturday, knocking off Mercer in straight sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-15) in Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers finished the tournament on two straight wins.

Inside the Box Score

• Tina Boe and Lydia Bartalo led the way with a match-high eight kills.
• Ellie Anderson had a season-high four aces.  
• The Crimson and Gold posted a season-high .384 hitting percentage.
• DU had six players with at least five kills.  

Significant Stats

• DU recorded eight blocks for a four straight match, tying a season best.
• The Pioneers have now started the year with a record of at least 5-1 for a fifth straight season.

Turning Point
Denver going on 5-0 run to start the second set to establish control of the match.

1st Set
Denver got the start it was looking for, racing out to a 13-8 advantage. The Pioneers were efficient on the attack, posting a .438 hitting percentage in the run. DU never stepped up the gas the rest of the set, cruising to a 25-13 set victory off some dominant offensive play.

2nd Set
The Crimson and Gold opened the second set with a 4-0 run. Denver pushed lead to eight at 11-3, forcing the Bears to take a timeout to regroup. Mercer was able to cut the deficit to five at 18-13 after consecutive blocks on Bartalo attacks. Denver finished it off though on a kill from Erica Andrich to take it 25-18.

3rd Set
All Pioneers in the third, securing the victory with a 25-15 set win. Denver posted a .478 hitting percentage in the set.

Up Next
The Pioneers (5-1) continue the homestand, playing co-host for the Thin Air Challenge. First, a meeting I-25 foe Air Force on Thursday at 6 p.m. MT in Hamilton Gymnasium. The match can be seen on Pioneer Vision.

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