SAN FRANCISCO – Early runs helped give Dixie State a two-set advantage and ultimately the 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-20) victory over Academy of Art in Pacific West Conference volleyball action on Monday afternoon inside Kezar Pavilion.

The Trailblazers started the first and second sets with 8-2 surges and executed various runs of four or five unanswered points thereafter. Those pushes helped DSU secure victories of 25-12 and 25-20 respectively before the Urban Knights fought for their own lead on multiple occasions in the third frame.

An emphatic block solo from senior middle blocker Margaret Winkler came three points into the third set and soon ART U was ahead 5-4. Academy of Art would lead once more before Dixie State unleashed an 8-1 rally that put them up by six. The Knights' largest run ensued as Winkler put away a kill and senior outside hitter Bailey Soolsma spiked a pair for six of seven. The Trailblazers made another move thereafter and ended up prevailing 25-20 for the sweep.

Academy of Art falls to 4-14 overall and 1-10 in the PacWest. Soolsma and freshman outside hitter Kimiah Johnson each had seven kills apiece while junior setter Alana Lucas added 15 assists.

Dixie State improves to 8-10 on the year and 6-4 in conference play. Lauren Gammell offered a match-high nine kills.

The Urban Knights' four-match homestand will finish this Thursday, Oct. 19 with new PacWest Conference member Biola in town for a 7:30 p.m. first serve.