The Denver volleyball team, entering the match with an 8-7 record, faced Pepperdine, who held an 11-4 record, on Oct. 8 at Hamilton Gymnasium.
Denver opened the first set with a kill from sophomore outside hitter Hailey Goebel.
Junior right side hitter Jamia Johnson and sophomore middle hitter Elise Hart added key blocks at the net, while junior outside hitter Kayla Patel delivered a powerful spike to secure another point.
Johnson continued to contribute with strong attacks and blocks, and sophomore libero Madison Winkler made several diving saves to keep the ball off the floor.
Unfortunately, Denver’s defense was not enough and Pepperdine maintained its lead. Freshman middle blocker Katelyn Landis recorded a kill late in the set, but Pepperdine secured the first set, 25-16, taking a 1-0 lead.
Denver looked to respond in the second set. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the second set began, with fans showing their support for the Crimson and Gold.
Landis and Patel also combined for three consecutive blocks at the net, helping DU earn a point.
However, Pepperdine continued to build its advantage with an impressive performance from freshman Mariia Nikol Dvornikova.
Denver’s head coach Megan Pendergast later challenged a point awarded to Pepperdine in the second set, but after review, the original ruling stood.
Hart added a kill as Denver continued to fight for points, but Pepperdine pulled away to win the second set, 25-14, putting Pepperdine on the verge of a sweep.
Facing elimination in the third set, Denver needed a strong response to extend the match. Pepperdine took the opening point after a lengthy rally and built a 12-7 lead, forcing Denver to regroup during a timeout.
Denver continued searching for opportunities to close the gap. Winkler made another important defensive effort to keep the ball in play, and Goebel followed with a kill to earn DU a point.
Despite the late push, Pepperdine maintained its advantage. Denver made a final effort to rally, but Pepperdine secured the third set, 25-20, completing the three-set sweep.
Denver will look to bounce back against LMU on Oct. 10 at Hamilton Gymnasium.
