The Denver volleyball team (12-11) faced the University of San Diego Toreros (13-8) in a rematch at Hamilton Gymnasium on Nov. 7.
Denver opened the match with a kill from junior outside hitter Kayla Patel, leading 1-0. Junior right-side hitter Jamia Johnson and junior middle blocker Izabela Molina followed with multiple blocks for the Crimson and Gold.
Patel and Johnson continued to contribute offensively with multiple kills, helping the Crimson and Gold stay within reach of the Toreros.
San Diego began to extend its lead, prompting Denver to call a timeout while trailing 18-14. The Toreros continued to build their advantage, leading 21-16.
Following another Denver timeout, freshman setter Lily Van Hal set up Johnson for a kill, bringing Denver within three points at 24-21.
However, San Diego secured the final point. Denver challenged the final play, but after review officials upheld the original call.
San Diego won 25-21, and led the set 1-0.
The Toreros came out strong in the second set, Emma Brewer recorded an ace for the first point.
Both teams exchanged points throughout the set, keeping the score close. Van Hal added a tip over the net to give Denver a 12-11 lead, while sophomore libero Madison Winkler made a diving save to keep the ball in play and help Denver tie the score at 16-16.
As plays started to ramp up the Toreros slowly started to build a lead. Late in the set, Denver trailed 22-20 and called a timeout in an effort to close the gap.
After San Diego challenged a play and officials upheld the original call, Denver trailed by just one point at 23-22, but the Toreros ultimately secured the set 25-22.
Heading into the third set, Denver looked to extend the match, with Patel contributing multiple offensive plays early.
A kill from sophomore outside hitter Alicia Thibodeau brought Denver to 9-12, but San Diego continued to build a lead.
As the Toreros led 17-12, head coach Megan Pendergast called a timeout to address defensive coverage, “I encouraged my players to focus on each individual play as its own moment and to take each play one point at a time,” said Pendergast.
Johnson and Thibodeau added kills as Denver attempted to close the gap, but San Diego maintained its lead and won 25-18, completing the sweep.
The Crimson and Gold will face off against Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 12.
