The DU women’s lacrosse team will be switching conferences next season, from the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) to the BIG EAST. This move results in two DU teams now participating in BIG EAST play, as DU men’s lacrosse joined the conference in 2014.

Denver will now be playing Butler University, University of Cincinnati, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Temple University, Vanderbilt University and Villanova University frequently.

A member of the MPSF since 2004, the women’s lacrosse program should fit in nicely to its new conference. Over the span of 13 years, Denver produced 66 All-MPSF players while also claiming three straight MPSF Player of the Year awards from 2006-2008.

With six regular season MPSF titles (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2014), the Pioneers were able to thrive and leave a positive, competitive mark on their former conference.

The team has had limited but optimistic exposure to BIG EAST teams in the past. DU defeated Marquette in 2016 but fell to Vanderbilt after reeling off three consecutive victories in the three previous seasons. Overall, the program has a 7-6 record against teams currently in the conference.

DU will be led next season by a host of returning players, as well as head coach Liza Kelly. In particular, the team will lean on the goal scoring efforts of redshirt sophomore Nicole Martindale (Brooklin, Ontario) and freshman Elizabeth Behrins (Basking Ridge, New Jersey), who each finished 2016 with 22 goals.

Junior goalkeeper Maddy Stevenson (Bainbridge Island, Washington) will return after starting 17 games this past season and winning eight of them. Joining the Pioneers in the BIG EAST next year will also be a new, exciting freshmen class who can help Denver be competitive in their first season in the new conference.