DENVER The University of Denver women’s basketball team (0-1) dropped a 61-54 decision to the visiting Wyoming Cowgirls (1-0) in the season opener for both teams at Magness Arena on Friday night.

 

“It was a good first start,” said first-year head coach Erik Johnson. “It was a winnable game and we had it in our hands. The good news is that we are good enough and we can compete against teams that are good. I couldn’t be happier with our girls and the atmosphere here in Magness Arena tonight.”

 

Junior forward Ashly Robinson (Bloomington, Minn.) led Denver with 13 points, including going five-for-five from the free throw line, while also grabbing six boards. Redshirt sophomore forward Brianna Culberson (Jefferson City, Mo.) added nine points and four rebounds for the Pioneers.

 

Wyoming had three players in double digits as Kristen Scheffler led all players with 18 points, while Elisabeth Dissen and Emma Langford each added 11. Rebecca Vanderjagt had a game-high seven rebounds for the Cowgirls.

 

Denver shot 40.8 percent from the field, while Wyoming sunk 44.0 percent of its shots.

 

DU freshmen Jenny Vaughan (Dundas, Ontario) and Kaetlyn Murdoch (Temple, Texas) each saw quality minutes in their collegiate debuts. Vaughan put up seven points with three rebounds and one assist, while Murdoch recorded six points, two rebounds, two blocks and one assist.

 

Senior guard Celena Otero (Aurora, Colo.) led all players with two steals.

 

The Pioneers continue their season-opening three-game homestand with a 7 p.m. tip-off against UC Davis on Friday, Nov. 21 in Hamilton Gymnasium.

 

 

- PIONEERS -