On Sept. 16, the University of Denver’s women’s volleyball team returned home to Hamilton Gymnasium to take on Air Force. 

Sophomore middle hitter Elise Hart spiked the ball in the first set of the match. Air Force attempted a block at the net, but Hart’s hit went straight down for another point for the Crimson and Gold. 

Her teammates and coaches erupted in cheers as the score increased for their team. Hart scored 11.5 points across all three sets, and contributed 11 of the 55 kills for Denver. 

Alongside Hart, sophomore outside hitter Alicia Thibodeau was a game leader with 15 kills, one ace and one block.

The first set started with Denver establishing an early lead.  As the set progressed, the team continued to build their advantage and worked to prevent Air Force from closing the gap. 

Denver maintained its lead throughout the set and ultimately took the first set victory, 25-20. 

The second set continued Denver’s strong performance. They started out close,  with both teams battling for each point and trading scores early. 

As the set progressed, Denver began to pull ahead, creating more separation on the scoreboard. The Crimson and Gold built an eight-point lead and won the set, 25-17.

The third set was a battle from beginning to end, and Air Force put up a fight. Both teams battled for every point, keeping the score close throughout the set. 

Denver remained composed during a tight finish as the last point went through review. After review, the point was awarded to Denver, securing them the final point to win the third set, 27-25.

The Crimson and Gold’s straight-set win made this their seventh win of the season, finishing with 55 kills and an attack percentage of .278.

Denver returns to Hamilton Gymnasium on Sept. 24, to face off against Pacific.