#12 Denver women’s lacrosse (8-3) needed a dominant performance against #20 University of Colorado to put a stamp on their lofty goals for their 2024 season. A dominant second and third quarter swamped the Buffs as Denver coasted to the win Wednesday night, 14-8. As usual, it was Julia Gilbert who led the charge with four goals and two assists. The only bad news was a leg injury to USA Lacrosse Preseason Defender of the Year Sam Thacker in the first half which sidelined her for the rest of the game.

Julia Gilbert got Denver on the board with two quick goals to go up 2-0 over the Buffs. CU countered with four consecutive goals, two by Assini Lily, to double DU’s score, 4-2.  With only 12 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Olivia Penoyer scored with an assist by Gilbert to draw within one, 4-3.

Denver’s pink defense owned the second quarter, holding CU to one tally. Julie Gilbert and Caroline Colimore scored the first two goals and Gilbert scored again with 4:10 remaining in the second quarter to still the scoreboard. The teams reached halftime with the Pioneers holding the edge, 6-5.

Denver started to take over the game in the third period as the Pioneers blanked the Buffs on a 4-0 run to take a 10-5 lead into the fourth quarter. Emilia Bohi was stout in goal for DU and D-3 All-American transfer Jane Earley netted two goals while Ryan Dineen and Lauren Black found paydirt during the 4-0 fourth-quarter run.

Denver put the game away with three straight goals by Calimore, Dineen and Sloane Kipp to lead by a score of 13 to 5 to open the final quarter. In the last seven minutes, CU outscored Denver 3-1 but it was too little, too late. Final score 14-8.

Next up for DU women’s lacrosse is a Big East tilt against Marquette this Saturday at 1:00 pm MT at Peter Barton Stadium.

Photo: Courtesy of CU Athletics