The Denver Pioneer Mens Lacrosse team faced the Harvard Crimson Saturday at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in front of a crowd of around 1500 fans. The Pioneers lost the contest 4-6 falling to 5-5 on the season. The Crimson improved to 2-4 as they managed to keep the Pioneers scoreless in the second half of the game.

The Pioneers fell behind early 0-1 however they were able to get even with a goal from Ilija Gajic on an assist from sophomore Joey Murray. The Pioneers and Crimson continued to exchange goals for the rest of the half to a score of 4-4. The Pioneers however were never able to obtain the lead and after a fifth goal from Harvard in the third the Pioneers were unable to tie it back up. The lone goal in the fourth period also belonged to Harvard. The offense for the Pioneers just never got going as the defense managed to keep it a low scoring affair. Ilija Gajic finished with 2 goals and an assist while the only other Pioneer to score was junior Jon Paulson who also recorded two goals. Joey Murray recorded two assists and freshman Deke Jackson dished out the first assist of his career.

Goalie Jeb Hollingsworth saw 58:22 minutes in the net allowing 6 goals as well as 9 saves. Austin Konkel saw 1:38 but no shots on goal.

The Pioneers were out shot by the Crimson 22-20 however a key area of improvement is in the face off were DU was so solid last season. The Pioneers only won 3 of 14 face offs giving Harvard the clear advantage. DU did snag 46 ground balls to Harvard’s 34 and successfully cleared the ball 17 times out of 20 attempts.

This second loss at home is difficult for the team as well as the fans especially since the team was undefeated in Peter Barton Stadium for all of the last season. Hopefully the Pioneers will get back on that winning track when they return home after this next road trip.

The Pioneers are on the road for their next game heading east to Rhode Island where they will face off against Providence College on Tuesday April 3.