The women’s basketball team handily defeated Taylor University 106-66 on Saturday night in Hamilton. Nine of the 10 student-athletes that played recorded at least one basket and four players recorded double digits.

The Pioneers distanced themselves in the second half of the game, outscoring Taylor University 57-31.
Junior guard Lauren Loven (Scottsdale, Ariz) was the team and game leader with 23 points. Loven had two assists and captured five rebounds. Fellow junior Madison Nelson (Doyer, Minn.) was the starting forward and nabbed a double-double after scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sophomore Claire Gritt (Arlington Heights, Ill.), who was named Summit League Freshman of the Year last year, played a strong game, tallying 13 points with 5 baskets, two assists and one steal. Starting point-guard, junior Briana Johnson (Carson, Calif.) finished with 16 points and added four rebounds and two assists.

Denver started the game strong with an 87.5 percent from the floor to open up the lead to 13-0, with Gritt contributing six of those points. With three minutes left to play, Loven hit a jump shot to bring the score to 19-8 but Taylor University responded to stay close. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 25-17.

In the second quarter, freshman Sydney Mech (Englewood, Colo.) opened the scoring for the Pioneers and brought Denver’s lead to 10 points. Although Taylor University responded and brought the lead to within five points, the Pioneers responded with an 11-2 run and brought the lead back to a comfortable double-digit lead with five minutes left. Gritt added a pair of free throws to bring Denver to 40-26 and made five shots out of nine attempts. At the half, the score was 49-35.

In the third quarter, Denver held Taylor University scoreless in the first four minutes. The offense picked up their pace and outscored Taylor University 31-8 to increase Denver’s lead. The defense continuously held Taylor University to only two baskets from the floor.

In the fourth quarter, Denver passed the 100 point mark with a minute to play. The final score stood at 106-66.

The women’s team opens up their 2018-2019 regular season on Friday, Nov. 9 in Magness Arena against University of Missouri Kansas City. The game will start at 7 p.m., MST and admission is free for students.