DU women’s lacrosse opens its 2026 season on Thursday against USC in Los Angeles before traveling to Tempe on Sunday to face Arizona State in an early two-game west coast swing. Denver was selected by BIG EAST coaches to garner its 5th consecutive conferencetitle under head coach Liza Kelly, on the heels of six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. This year’s team will blend a mix of old and new talent for the 2026 season. How far they go will depend on goaltending and the development of a handful of newcomers, along with reliable production from solid returning veterans.
Kelly’s team has experienced some key losses with the departure of goal-scorer Lauren Black and outstanding goalie Emelia Bohi. There is a solid returning core with outstanding scoring midfielder Olivia Ripple, midfielder/draw specialist Alex Dorr, defender Megan Klingenberg, attacker Eva Thomsen-Marr, attacker Ryan Dineen, midfielder Caroline Bowers, and sophomore goalie Lexi Gwaku. Gwaku will be expected to pick up the slack in the cage with the departure of Bohi.
Denver is the only BIG EAST team ranked in the Inside Lacrosse preseason rankings despite roster changes and nine newcomers. The Pioneers’ non-conference schedule appears to be the team’s most challenging gauntlet – #13 Stony Brook, #23 Fairfield, Colorado #22 – which just upset #2 Northwestern in Evanston – and #5 Michigan – all ranked in the Inside Lacrosse preseason poll.
Kelly has nine freshmen and two redshirt freshmen to integrate into this season’s squad.
As the only ranked team in the BIG EAST, the Pioneers need to make hay against ranked teams in non-conference play to bolster their standing and build some insurance before the conference tournament. Kelly is going to need to lean on her Hot Pink Defense to step up during non-conference play as the offense gets into its rhythm and new players work their way into the rotation.
Another plus for the Pioneers this season is hosting the BIG EAST Tournament at Peter Barton at the end of the season. Assuming good health, the table is set for Kelly’s team to make some noise in the 2026 season, working their way into the Top 10. Either way, look for Kelly to guide her team to the NCAA’s again. How deep they go will depend on goalie consistency and key contributions from the incoming Freshmen class.