DU women’s lacrosse (15-3) faces the University of Florida (15-3) on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Boulder. In the past, the Gators have had their way with Denver, holding a 7-0 record all-time over the Pioneers. They are 2-0 all-time in NCAA Tournament matchups with the Pios. The Gators are an impressive 14-0 all-time in the first round. But it is a new year with new faces and new teams.

The Gators are #16 nationally in scoring while Denver checks in at #20. On defense though, Denver’s Hot Pink Defense is #2 in the country, allowing just 6.61 goals per game. The Gators are a bit leakier, allowing nearly nine goals per game, good for #26.  DU’s Olivia Ripple is the 9th leading scorer in the country with 66 goals. Florida’s scoring is more spread out, with Clark Hamilton leading the team with just 44 goals. DU’s Caroline Keil is knotted with Clark’s offensive production. DU’s goalie, Lexi Gwaku, is third in goals against nationally (6.94 GAA) while the Gators have a committee approach, led by Susan Radebaugh. Radebaugh has a 7.55 GAA, which places her in the top ten keepers in the country. 

Fans may have forgotten, but Florida is a former member of the BIG EAST, wrapping up four titles in four years (2015-2018) before jumping to the American Athletic Conference and then the Big 12.

On the other side of the Boulder regional, the #11 Colorado Buffaloes surged in the rankings following their Big 12 Championship victory on May 2, 2026, where they upset #12 Florida. The Buffs also stunned Denver on April 15th at Peter Barton Stadium, downing the Pioneers 9-6. DU sits in the #17 spot in the Inside Lacrosse poll. If Denver defeated the Buffs, who have an impressive road victory over #1 overall seed Northwestern on their resume, in April, Denver likely would have been the host of this regional. If Denver can slip by Florida, they dearly would like a rematch against Colorado to even the score. 

The first round in Boulder begins with No. 8 Seed Colorado (14-3) vs. Jacksonville (13-5) at 4 p.m. MT. Then, Florida vs. Denver at 7 p.m. MT. The second-round game, featuring the two winners, will start at 1:00 p.m. MT on Mother’s Day.

Top photo courtesy of Florida Athletics