We told you about hockey’s sweep in Tempe, DU men’s final regular season win against Seattle and Denver men’s hoops loss at UC Riverside. There were some other big stories as well, especially within DU women’s athletics.
Denver triathlon’s Maira Carreau finished second at the 2026 Triathlon National Championships. A former national champion, the Canadian senior finished less than half a minute behind the event winner. Water quality at Tempe (Az.) Town Lake, due to recent floods, reduced the event to biking and running only. Still, Carreau worked her way thru the elite field for the second step of the podium. Arizona won its third consecutive national championship, host Arizona State was second and TCU came in third. DU finished in 7th. The Pioneers need to replace Carreau’s production next season and add depth if they want to get back on the championship podium.
One of DU’s most respected coaches, Erik Johnson, secured DU women’s basketball (1-2) first win of the season, 66-52, against Lindenwood. Frankly, the return of Johnson feels like a dark cloud lifted from a program that has been in the wilderness since he left. Clearly, it will take Johnson several years to coach and recruit to his style but you can feel the energy of a program on the rebound.
Last night >>> 😌😌❤️ https://t.co/sAbt1wkaiM
— Denver Women’s Hoops (@DU_WHoops) November 5, 2026
Tuesday at 6:00 pm MT, DU faces Colorado State at Hamilton Gym.
Women’s soccer (5-7-4) completed a disappointing season with more lows than highs. Their season ended in Seattle with a 1-1 draw. Denver was fortunate because the Redhawks generated 26 shots, 10 on goal but could only generate one first half goal. Kit Mooney scored the equalizer for DU at 62:39 with an assist from Caitlin Staats and the game remained knotted until the final horn. Women’s soccer has always been one of the Pioneers crown jewels but they have lost their luster over the past several years. As with most of DU’s other teams that compete in the WCC, they will need to tighten up the program and recruit more high-level athletes to compete for titles.
Denver women’s volleyball (12-2, 5-7) faced the San Diego Toreros who were coming off a 6 match winning streak at Hamilton gym. The Toreros were just too much for Denver who fell 3-0. San Diego outside hitters, Barton and Brewer, combined for 27 kills with their superior size and power. Next up is a trip to LA to Face LMU Thursday and Peppedine Saturday.
DU men’s soccer (5-7-4, 4-1-3) heads to Portland for the West Coast Conference Tournament. Denver must win the championship to advance through the four-team tournament and into the NCAA Tournament. Wednesday, DU faces a tough San Diego side (3 pm MT). The Pioneers tied San Diego earlier in the season (0-0). The Toreros outplayed DU in the game, but the Pioneers, overcoming injuries, have been improving ever since that match.