The (-/19) DU women’s lacrosse team secured a narrow, 11-10 three-overtime victory at home over the (18/RV) University of Louisville Cardinals. It marked the team’s first overtime victory since April 10, 2011, while also propelling DU to a program-best 4-0 season start.

A wild first half included six lead changes, though the Pioneers would eventually head to the locker room with a 6-5 advantage. Sophomore attack Kendra Lanuza (Littleton, Colorado) continued her strong season, contributing two goals and two assists in the first half.

Senior goalie Maddy Stevenson (Bainbridge Island, Washington) made four of her five saves on the afternoon in the first half. She would allow 10 goals in 72:37 of action.

Although Denver would strike first in the second half to extend their lead to 7-5, Louisville answered swiftly, eventually grabbing a 8-9 advantage with 10 minutes left in regulation.

At 6:28, sophomore attack Julia Feiss (Baltimore, Maryland) capitalized on her only marker of the match, tying the score at 9-9. The teams traded goals in the final five minutes, sending the game to overtime tied at 10.

Louisville held the advantage in shots in the first overtime, 2-1, while Denver had more in the second overtime, 7-1. The Cardinals’ goalie was forced to make four superb saves in the second overtime, as the Pioneers were unable to solve the keeper.

A crucial yellow card gave Denver immediate control of the ball to begin the third overtime, which the team was able to take advantage of. Sophomore attack Elizabeth Behrins (Basking Ridge, New Jersey) drew a free position attempt 30 seconds into the period. She proceeded to rifle home the game-winner, securing Denver’s thrilling victory.

The undefeated Pioneers will face the University of California-Davis on Feb. 24 at home in their next matchup.