Iowa Falls to Denver

DENVER, Colo. — The University of Iowa volleyball team fell to Denver, 3-0, on Saturday at Hamilton Gymnasium in the final game of the Mile High Invitational.

Courtney Buzzerio amassed a match-best 15 kills. Bailey Ortega notched 29 assists, and Maddie Slagle totaled eight digs.

HOW IT HAPPENED

SET 1 (Denver, 25-22): Denver got out to an 11-6 lead before the Hawkeyes called a timeout to try to slow momentum. The Pioneers built a 20-14 advantage before Iowa rallied with seven straight points to cut Denver’s lead to 22-21. Denver scored three of the next four points to take the set. Buzzerio was responsible for eight points in the first set, collecting six kills and two service aces.

SET 2 (Denver, 25-16): The Pioneers grew an early lead, 10-5, before the Hawkeyes cut the deficit to one, 12-11. Denver’s lead grew to 19-14. Iowa utilized its timeouts, but the Pioneers took the second set by nine.

SET 3 (Denver, 25-23): The third set was toe-to-toe for most of the set as it featured 11 ties. The score steadily climbed with both teams matching each other, 4-4, 11-11, and 16-16. Denver pushed its lead to four, 23-19, before the Hawkeyes answered to pull within two, 24-22, before the Pioneers ultimately prevailed.

NOTABLES

• Hannah Clayton moved to 15th all-time in program history with 270 blocks.
• Clayton hit a team leading season-high .667 attacking percentage.
• Buzzerio has recorded double figure kills in every match this season.
• Saturday’s match against the Pioneers was Iowa’s final nonconference match of 2021.

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes host Illinois in the Big Ten opener on Wednesday, Sept. 22. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT) at Xtream Arena. The game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network.