JONESBORO, Ark. (10/31/08) ? Junior Emmy Davidsmeyer finished with 18 kills to lead the Denver Pioneers to a 3-1 (25-23, 15-25, 25-20, 25-23) victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves in Sun Belt Conference West Division volleyball action Friday night at the ASU Convocation Center.

Denver extended its lead in the SBC West Division race, improving to 10-2 in conference play and 21-4 overall. Arkansas State dropped to 9-5 in Sun Belt Conference action and 20-8 on the season.

Sophomore outside hitter Kristen Catalane led ASU with 16 kills in the match, with freshman middle blocker Cayla Fielder adding 11. Sophomore setter Laura Bennett posted a double-double for the Red Wolves with 39 assists and 13 digs.

“We battled hard, and except for a couple of points here and there, this match could have turned out in our favor,” said ASU head coach Craig Cummings. “I am proud of how hard the team played tonight. Denver is a team with two conference losses and we went toe-to-toe with them. We are disappointed because we didn't come out with a win. We had an opportunity here to get one and that would have pulled us closer to Denver in the division chase.”

Denver broke away from a 24-24 tie in set one, winning the final two points to go up 1-0 in the match.

The Red Wolves bounced back in game two, hitting .353 in the set to coast to the 25-16 win before the Pioneers moved back on top 2-1 with a 25-20 win in the third.

With the Pioneers leading 24-20 in the fourth set, Arkansas State fought off three match points before a kill from Davidsmeyer put the match away for Denver.

“Emmy Davidsmeyer had a terrific match and at times, carried our team,” said Denver assistant coach Todd Nelson. “Arkansas State is a very difficult place to play and we feel fortunate to come away with the win.”

The Red Wolves continue Sun Belt Conference action Sunday afternoon when ASU plays host to the Mean Green of North Texas in a 1:00 p.m. match at the ASU Convocation Center.