Coming off of a thrilling upset victory against fourth-ranked Stonybrook last Sunday, the ninth-ranked DU Pioneers suffered their first loss of the season in a close one against the University of Michigan Wolverines by a score of 12-10. The Pioneers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, the first point coming off sophomore attacker Bea Behrins (Basking Ridge, N.J.), who would go on to score her third hat trick of the season, leading the Pioneers in goals.

At halftime, the Pioneers held a 6-4 lead only to see that lead diminished by an eight-goal second half for the Wolverines. Michigan outshooting Denver by a total of 33-21 forced the Pioneers to play lots of defense, as 11 different Pioneers caused at least one turnover in the game. Despite Denver winning more draw controls and more saves, the Wolverines demonstrated significantly greater aggression in the offensive zone, giving them the edge in the end.

With 7:24 to play in the game, sophomore Quintin Hoch-Bullen (Orillia, Ontario) scored her second goal of the game putting the Pioneers up by two only to see that lead quickly disappear in the last six minutes when Michigan scored four unanswered goals to remain undefeated at 6-0 as the Pioneers fell to 4-1 on the year. Nonetheless, Denver Head Coach Liza Kelly said, “I’m proud of the way we fought today, Michigan is a good team and they played hard.”

Sunday’s snowstorm canceled the game against Vanderbilt, so the Pioneers will be back in action on the road next Sunday, March 8 against Fairfield University.