University of Denver
11-11,4-6WCC
Santa Clara
9-13,5-5WCC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara | 25 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 3 |
| Denver | 21 | 26 | 18 | 25 | 1 |
10/29/2026 8:40:00 PM | Volleyball
DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball team dropped a four-set decision to Santa Clara (21-25, 26-24, 18-25, 25-27) on Thursday night at Hamilton Gymnasium.
The Pioneers fell behind 1-0 after Santa Clara claimed the opening set, 25-21, but responded with a hard-fought second-set victory to even the match. Denver faced a late 24-23 deficit before scoring three consecutive points, capped by a kill from sophomore outside hitter Alicia Thibodeau, to take the set 26-24.
Santa Clara answered with a 25-18 win in the third before the teams battled through over 10 ties in the fourth. Denver fought to extend the match, but the Broncos pulled away late to secure the 27-25 set victory and take the match.
Thibodeau paced the Pioneers with 19 kills and 15 digs, while junior right-side hitter Jamia Johnson added 13 kills. Freshman setter Lily Van Hal distributed a career-high 41 assists, and sophomore libero Madison Winkler recorded 20 digs.
LEADERS
- Kills: Alicia Thibodeau (19), Jamia Johnson (13), Kayla Patel (13)
- Assists: Lily Van Hal (41)
- Digs: Madison Winkler (20), Alicia Thibodeau (15)
NOTES
- Denver moves to 11-11 overall and 4-6 in West Coast Conference play.
- Jamia Johnson reached 600 career kills with her 13-kill performance.
- Alicia Thibodeau recorded her double-double with 19 kills and 15 digs, reaching 400 career kills.
- Denver finished with 62 kills and a .221 hitting percentage, while Santa Clara recorded 68 kills and hit .312.
- The Broncos held an 11-3 advantage in total team blocks.
Denver returns to action Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting San Francisco at noon MT at Hamilton Gymnasium.
Ticket Information:Â
Tickets for the 2026 volleyball season are on sale now, and can be purchased here.Â
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
