University of Denver
12-14,5-9WCC
Pepperdine
21-5,13-2WCC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 19 | 7 | 22 | 0 |
| Pepperdine | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
11/14/2026 2:56:00 PM | Volleyball
MALIBU, Calif. – The University of Denver volleyball team fell to Pepperdine in three sets on Saturday afternoon at Firestone Fieldhouse, dropping a 19-25, 7-25, 22-25 decision in West Coast Conference play. The Pioneers move to 12-14 overall and 5-9 in conference play.
Junior outside hitter Alicia Thibodeau led Denver with 10 kills on 25 attempts, hitting .280, while adding four digs and a service ace. Senior outside hitter Jamia Johnson contributed six kills, while Izabela Molina and Kayla Patel each added five. Freshman setter Lily Van Hal recorded 25 assists and seven digs, while sophomore libero Madison Winkler led the Pioneers with 11 digs.
Denver opened the first set with a competitive effort, hitting .263 with 14 kills. The Pioneers held a 13-7 lead before Pepperdine responded with a run to take control and close out the set, 25-19.
The Waves controlled the second set, limiting Denver to four kills and forcing nine attack errors. Pepperdine hit .286 in the frame to earn a 25-7 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.
Denver responded in the third set, recording 13 kills and hitting .229. The Pioneers battled Pepperdine through 11 tie scores, with the teams even at 22-22 before the Waves scored the final three points to secure the 25-22 set win and complete the sweep.
NOTES AND LEADERS
- Kills: Alicia Thibodeau (10)
- Assists: Lily Van Hal (25)
- Digs: Madison Winkler (11)
- Service Aces: Elise Hart and Alicia Thibodeau (1 each)
- Thibodeau led Denver with 10 kills and hit .280 on 25 attempts.
- Van Hal finished with 25 assists and seven digs.
- Winkler paced the Pioneers with 11 digs.
- Denver recorded 31 kills, 38 digs and a .134 hitting percentage.
- Pepperdine finished with 45 kills, 37 digs and a .356 hitting percentage.
- The Waves held an 11-3 advantage in total blocks.
- The third set featured 11 tie scores, with Denver pulling even at 22-22 before Pepperdine closed out the match.
NEXT UP
Denver returns home to host Seattle on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. MT inside Hamilton Gymnasium.
Ticket Information:Â
Tickets for the 2026 volleyball season are on sale now, and can be purchased here.Â
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