The University of Denver handed Sam Houston its first volleyball loss of the season with a three-set victory on the opening night of the Pioneer Classic tournament in Denver Friday evening.

The Pioneers remain unbeaten (4-0) after a 25-21 25-16 25-16 victory over the Bearkats. Sam Houston now stands 4-1.

For the fifth time in five matches this season, senior outside hitter Deveney Wells-Gibson led Sam Houston with 10 kills in 29 attempts. Freshman Jordyn Vaughn added six kills and Brooke White totaled five.

Michelle Griffith accounted for 25 assists. Breanna Homer and Claire Kilpatrick led the Kats with 10 digs apiece.

Sam Houston started strong, building a 16-13 lead in the first set. But Denver went on a 5-0 to go up 18-16. The Pioneers closed out the set winning seven of the final 12 points.

Denver led from first point to last in both the second and third sets.

The Bearkats will complete play in the Pioneer Classic Saturday with matches against Kansas at 10 a.m. and Bradley at 5 p.m.