Arkansas Razorbacks women’s volleyball team lost a close five-set match to the Denver Pioneers on Saturday during the Buffs Invitational. The final score was 3-2 in favor of Denver, with set scores of 25-21, 17-25, 23-25, 25-20, and 10-15.
Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Lakin Laurendine led Arkansas with a career-high 25 kills and added 13 digs for her first double-double at Arkansas. She also contributed two service aces. Freshman outside Parker Duncan recorded a personal best of 22 kills, while junior opposite Romani Thurman finished with 12 kills.
Sophomore setter Kiki Remensperger achieved her second consecutive double-double by posting a career-high 57 assists along with 10 digs. Libero/defensive specialists Kylie Weeks and Gaby Cornier each tallied 12 digs.
Arkansas matched its season high with 12 team blocks. Middles Zoi Evans and Journey Peppers each had six blocks, and Laurendine added four.
The match began evenly in the first set until Arkansas took control late to win it 25-21. Denver responded strongly in the second set, building an early lead and taking it 25-17. The third set was closely contested but ended with Denver winning 25-23 after pulling ahead late.
In the fourth set, Arkansas overcame an early deficit with a strong service run from Avery Calame that included two aces. The Razorbacks maintained their momentum to win the set 25-20 and force a fifth set.
Denver gained an early advantage in the deciding fifth set and held off Arkansas for a 15-10 victory to secure the match.
Arkansas will play its final match of the Buffs Invitational against Toledo on Sunday in Boulder at noon. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
For more information about Arkansas Volleyball, visit https://arkansasrazorbacks.com or follow the team on social media platforms such as Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Volleyball), Twitter, and Instagram (@RazorbackVB).
