MACOMB, Ill. - The Leatherneck volleyball team opened conference play Friday evening, hosting Denver inside Western Hall. The two teams battled in three closely contested sets, with the Pioneers ultimately coming away with a 3-0 victory.

Western Illinois (2-12, 0-1) honored senior Ann Miller prior to the match for notching her 1,000th career kill during nonconference play. Miller, who currently ranks eighth all-time, continued her stellar play, registering a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs.

The opening frame belonged to the Pioneers (12-3, 1-0), but the Purple and Gold pushed them to the limit, hitting .302 in the set. Western Illinois hung with Denver, who entered the match as the only team in the Summit League to have a winning record during nonconference play, through the early and middle stages of the set. A 3-0 run, which included a kill from Samantha Fournier, an ace from Ann Miller, and a kill from Peyton Crosser, brought the Leathernecks within two points at 17-15. However, Denver would pull away late for a first set victory, 25-18.

In the second set, Western Illinois fought back and forth with Denver, as the two teams had six ties and three lead changes. The Leathernecks used a 4-0 run early in the set to gain a 6-4 lead. The run was highlighted by consecutive aces from Ann Miller, who had three in the match. From there, it was a see-saw battle, and the Leathernecks made a late push to try and even the score at one-all. Back-to-back kills by Fournier, and a Pioneer hitting error got Western within two at 23-21, but Denver pulled out the last two points to head into the intermission up 2-0.

The third set opened with three quick points for Denver, forcing a timeout by Western Illinois. The Purple and Gold would respond, eventually taking the lead at 12-11 on a Denver hitting error. Another 3-0 run, highlighted by a pair of Jordan Jackson kills gave Western a 16-14 advantage, but Denver would pull away, ending the match on a 11-2 run. The final score of 25-18 gave Denver the set and the match.

Western Illinois turns its focus to Omaha as they come to town on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Mavericks (5-9, 0-1) dropped a 3-2 decision at home against IUPUI in their conference opener on Friday (Sept. 26). First serve is set for 2 p.m. (CT) inside Western Hall.