In the first and only meeting of the regular season between Denver and the University of Colorado-Boulder Buffaloes, the Pioneers fell 11-10 in their season opener at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.

CU never trailed during the game. However, Denver cut the deficit down to one goal a few times throughout. 

The Buffaloes, who were picked just behind third-ranked Denver by the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, took an early 4-0 lead. By 5:15 into the game, CU’s Cali Castagnola recorded a hat trick. Three of Boulder’s initial goals were scored within 29 seconds.

Denver’s first tally came from a free-position goal scored by senior captain Christa Reese (Lutherville, Maryland). The Buffs responded by netting a free-position goal of their own.

Senior attack Rachael McKinnon added two more for Denver with assists from Reese and freshman midfielder Kendra Launza (Littleton, Colorado). McKinnon’s first tally marked her 100th career finish goal.

CU took a 6-3 lead before the Pios surged off a goal from senior captain Sarah Kasun (Bel Air, Maryland) assisted by Launza, who scored her first career goal 2:13 later.

CU extended their lead 7-5 before McKinnon scored again to complete a hat trick and cut the deficit down to one goal. With just under a minute remaining in the first half, CU scored twice to lead 9-6 going into the locker room.

The second half was quieter on both ends, as neither team scored until 9:24 when Kasun recorded her second of the day.

The score remained 9-7 for another 14 minutes until CU found the back of the net to take a 10-7 lead over the Pioneers.

Denver rallied a 3-1 run in the final five minutes of the game. Reese scored her second of the game. Boulder responded with a goal of their own to lead 11-8.

McKinnon and junior midfielder Casey White (Queensbury, New York) added two more for Denver in the final two minutes.

The Pioneers won the final face-off, until the Buffs forced the turnover and kept possession in the final seconds to secure the win.

Denver continued their opening weekend of play on Sunday Feb. 14 where the team traveled to play Fresno State University.

The Pios defeated Fresno State 15-3. Launza recorded a game-high 5 points including three assists. For the tenth time in her career, McKinnon tallied four goals. Reese trailed with a hat trick.

Denver travels to Kentucky on Feb. 20 to face the University of Louisville.