MACOMB, Ill. - Finishing off its homestand, Western Illinois volleyball (3-19, 2-9) showcased admirable grit and improvement during a big Saturday morning test versus Denver (18-2, 9-1), ranked #1 in the Summit League. The Leathernecks took the opening set before falling in four (25-23, 19-25, 19-25, 16-25).

It was another career day for first-year standout Brittany Wulf, who landed a new single-match, personal-best in kills (21). Her mark is the most on the season by a team member. Additionally, her 53 total attacks were a new high.

"I felt we played better all-around as a group today," said WIU head volleyball coach Ben Staupe. "There was more focus, effort, and communication. I was very proud of how scrappy our defense played, along with Brittany's performance."

In a period that saw the score become tied up 10 times, WIU kept its head to finish a 4-1 run that led to a set one win. Wulf set the tone with six kills from the left side during that frame.

Denver's hitters played notable roles in helping the Pioneers grab sets two and three (both won 25-19), leading to a competitive fourth set. Trailing 3-1, Denver eventually tied the margin at 7-7 and took a 19-14 lead, resulting in Western calling for a timeout. Wulf placed several more kills on the floor down the stretch, but the Pioneers were able to maintain just enough breathing room on their way to a 25-16 finish.

Maggie Craker led all individuals with 37 assists. WIU finished with a 69-63 advantage in digs as a team, as Craker and Karli Wenzel contributed 17 apiece. Peyton Bowman made an early impact on both ends -- tallying seven kills and seven blocks. Wulf and Kennedy Davis assisted on four blocks, helping give their Leathernecks another edge in team blocks over the Pioneers (11.0-5.0).

Western heads to the state of North Dakota next week for matches against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (Oct. 28) and North Dakota State (Oct. 30).