University of Denver
Pepperdine
Pioneers Return Home to Host Pepperdine
10/6/2026 3:30:00 PM | Volleyball
DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball team will return to Hamilton Gymnasium on Thursday, hosting Pepperdine at 6 p.m. MT as the Pioneers continue their inaugural West Coast Conference season.
Denver enters the matchup with an 8-7 overall record and a 1-2 mark in WCC play. The Pioneers opened conference action with a three-set sweep of Pacific, followed by a four-set loss to Saint Mary's and a three-set setback at San Diego on Saturday.
The Pioneers will look to bounce back on their home court, where they are 5-1 this season. Denver has been led offensively by Alicia Thibodeau, Jamia Johnson and Kayla Patel, while Elise Hart has provided a strong presence at the net. Madison Winkler continues to anchor the Denver defense, while Ilayda Eren and Lily Van Hal have shared setting responsibilities.
Pepperdine enters Thursday's matchup with an 11-4 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play. The Waves were picked second in the WCC preseason poll and are coming off a 21-8 campaign in 2025, including a 15-3 record in conference play. Pepperdine's lone conference loss this season came against Saint Mary's on Oct. 3.
Thursday will mark the first meeting between Denver and Pepperdine in program history. The Pioneers will look to defend Hamilton Gymnasium and earn their second WCC victory of the season as they continue their first season in the conference.
The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the 2026 volleyball season are on sale now, and can be purchased here.
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
