Despite Denver’s end-of-season loss in the men’s lacrosse game in Colorado Springs Saturday afternoon, five Denver rookies gave the Air Force a run for its money.

The win was the Falcons’ first against DU since 1998.

The game at Falcon Lacrosse Stadium at the Air Force Academy saw the Pioneers fall to the Falcons 6-5 in conference play.

With the loss, Denver finished the season with an overall 6-8, (1-4 Great Western Lacrosse League) while the Falcons improved to 4-8 (2-3 GWLL). DU dropped its last two games.

Denver was first to score with a goal by freshman Scott Davidson. But the Air Force retaliated minutes later to tie the game.

In the second quarter, Denver took the lead again with a goal by rookie Matt Brown.

Andrew Huelskoetter assisted on the play. Denver went into the half with a 2-1 lead.

The Air Force went on a scoring rampage in the third quarter. With four consecutive goals it took the lead 5-2.

Denver freshmen Erik Swanson and Blake Evans both scored in the third quarter, cutting the Falcons’ lead to 6-4.

In the fourth quarter, Denver’s fifth rookie to score was Greer Hanlon, bringing the Pioneers back into the game, down by only one goal.

The goal was Hanlon’s fourth of the season. Evans contributed with an assist.

Despite several scoring chances for the Pioneers in the final minutes of the game, Denver was unable to tie the score before time ran out.

Despite the loss, the Denver Pioneers out-shot the Air Force 41-23, out-hustled for groundballs 38-36 and held a 12-2 advantage in the face-off circle. Freshmen accounted for the five goals and one of the assists.

Junior goaltender Jeff Nunziato made eight saves, while giving up six goals. Denver tallied five goals on 20 shots.

Denver’s sixth place finish in the Great Western Lacrosse League is the Pioneers’ worst finish in their four seasons in the league.

Awards for the team will be given this week.