BROOKINGS, SD --The Denver Pioneers defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in four sets (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-23) on Thursday at Frost Arena, in Brookings, S.D.
The victory boosted the Pioneers' record to 4-7 overall and 3-0 in Summit play. DU remains tied with Kansas City for first in the conference.
The Pioneers offense was paced by Cadi Boyer, who finished with 12 kills on the day while accumulating a hitting percentage of .269 along with six blocks, alongside Molly Mirabelli, who had six blocks and amassed 10 kills. Defensively, two players reached double figures in digs as Gianna Bartalo had 15 and Alayna Finucan had 10.
Game Notes
» Cadi Boyer had a match-high three aces in the win and 12 kills for Denver
» Denver got a match-high 15 digs from Gianna Bartalo.
» Denver attackers were helped by a career-high 42 assists from Briley Decker. She ranks third in the Summit League, averaging 9.61 assists/set/
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Pioneers opened up an early lead, winning the first set 25-21. Denver never trailed by more than five points and grabbed the advantage for good at 16-15 in a set that had just one lead change before the Pioneers took over in the second half of the stanza. Denver also supplemented their offense with four aces in the opening set, including two from Boyer. The Pios got a solid defensive performance from a front row that blocked five South Dakota State attacks in the stanza.
SET 2 | Denver then fell in the second set 25-21, evening the match at a set apiece. The Pioneers trailed by as many as eight points as South Dakota State grabbed the advantage for good at 4-3 in a set that was tied up three times before the Jackrabbits took over the lead.
SET 3 | Denver bounced back following the set-two loss to grab set three and a 2-1 lead in the match. The Pioneers took the lead for good at 23-22 in a set that showcased three lead changes before Denver took over in the second half of the stanza. They then carried that lead to a 25-23 set win. The Denver offense also got a boost from three aces in the stanza. Denver's front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four South Dakota State attacks in the stanza.
SET 4 | Denver kept the momentum going, claiming the match win with a 25-23 fourth-set victory. The Pioneers survived a back-and-forth set to win in a stanza that featured five lead changes and was tied 11 times. Neither team was able to grab a lead larger than two points along the way.
This article created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
