After securing a share of the Summit League regular season title with a win against the University of Nebraska Omaha on Oct. 30, the DU women’s soccer team advanced to the Summit League Semifinals as the No. 2 seed, facing No. 3 seeded South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits on Nov. 3 in Fargo, North Dakota. The team’s season ended with a shootout loss.

Denver (8-9-2 overall, 5-2-1 in conference) found the back of the net first in the game, scoring in the 11th minute. Junior forward Angelica Pacheco (Taos, New Mexico) headed the ball in off a free kick for her second goal of the year. Sophomore forward Mary DeWalt (West Bend, Wisconsin) earned her third assist of the season on the play.

SDSU was finally able to break through the DU defense in the 76th minute. The equalizing marker was barely chipped over freshman goalkeeper Brittany Wilson (Littleton, Colorado) to end her clean sheet on the night.

Heading to extra time tied 1-1 with their season on the line, Denver was unable to find a game-winning tally. Eventually, a 4-2 disadvantage in penalties dramatically ended the Pioneers’ 2016 season.

It was a successful year for DU, who collected their second regular season title in their four years of participating in the Summit League.

The night before their final game, several players took home awards for their performances this season at the 2016 Summit League Women’s Soccer Awards Banquet on Nov. 2.

Junior outside back Makenzie Bothner (Park City, Utah) earned Defensive Player of the Year, freshman forward Hannah Adler (Oak Park, California) was named Freshman of the Year and Wilson took home the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

All three of those players will be returning next season, while only two seniors are going to be departing the squad. The future looks promising for the Pioneers next season and into the future as they hope to build off their 2016 success.