The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team opened up its season in style against the University of Utah with a 12-4 victory. The game was the season-opener for both sides and DU used balanced scoring from seven different players, faceoff wins (13/20) and solid goalkeeping to earn the victory.

In the first quarter, DU raced out to a 4-1 lead with goals from four different players: Ty Hussey, Stephen Avery, Noah Manning and Michael Lampert. Utah outshot Denver 9 to 7 but Jack Thompson only allowed one goal.

Ball Movement + People Movement = Great goal to open the 2023 campaign.#GoPios pic.twitter.com/d8HCvDTcv5

— Denver Men’s Lacrosse (@DU_MLAX) February 4, 2023

The Utes pushed back in the second quarter with several faceoff wins and two goals from Jordan Hyde. At 3:18 before the halftime break, Jack Tortolani got DU on the scoring sheet, 5-3, Denver.

After the half, the teams traded goals before a fastbreak Utah foul and goal by JJ Sillstrop fired up the Pioneer crowd. Sillstrop’s goal doubled up the Utes, 8-4. DU’s Stephen Avery punished the Utes with 2:18 remaining in the third quarter, 9-4 to give Denver breathing room heading into the final 15 minutes.

The save, the patience, the finish.
Sillstrop gets on the board and stretches our lead to four at 8-4.#GoPios pic.twitter.com/71Jws0FnuF

— Denver Men’s Lacrosse (@DU_MLAX) February 4, 2023

Andrew Achison tossed in a pair of goals in the fourth quarter and JJ Sillstrop added another for the final score, 12-4. The Pioneers shut down the Utes and cruised to a comfortable team win with Denver controlling play on both ends of the field.

Jack Thompson was outstanding in goal, only allowing one score in the second half. Alec Stathakis was dominant at the X. Ground balls, a nemesis for DU lacrosse last season, went in Denver’s favor 29-18.

Next up for DU lacrosse is Air Force in the Springs next Saturday at 1:00 pm MT.