The University of Denver women’s lacrosse team isn’t just chasing a national title, it’s chasing perfection.
The Pioneers moved to 19-0 after taking down No. 24 UConn 11-6 on its own field in the Big East championship game in Storrs, Conn on Sunday. With the win, the Pios have now won three consecutive Big East Tournament titles.
Next up is the NCAA Tournament, which the Pios will enter as the No. 5 overall seed with a first-round matchup against Southern California (16-3-0) at 3 p.m. Friday in Denver. It marks the first time the DU women have hosted a regional at Peter Barton Stadium.
DU goaltender Emelia Bohi was named the tournament’s most outstanding player after making 13 saves in the title game, including 6 of 8 free-position shots. She’s the first keeper to win the award since Loyola’s Kerry Stoothoff in 2012.
The Pios outshot UConn 39-26 and held a 16-5 edge in draw controls, led by Abby Jenkins’ seven.
Senior Julia Gilbert scored a game-high four goals on 12 shots, while junior Sloane Kipp and freshman Ryan Dineen chipped in two goals and two assists apiece.
With the game at 2-2 in the second quarter, the Pios ripped off an 8-2 run between the second and fourth quarters to take control. Mollie Estepp started the surge off a pass from Dineen and Kipp finished it off with an unassisted score with 13:38 lead for a 10-4 lead that was never challenged.
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