SAN DIEGO, Calif. The No. 19 University of Denver women’s lacrosse team opened the 2009 season with a 24-6 loss to four-time defending national champions and No. 1 Northwestern in the Surfside Lacrosse Cup in San Diego on Friday night.

 

Senior Steph Coyne (Baltimore, Md.), who was fourth in the nation in assists last season, led the Pioneers (0-1) with a goal and two assists, and senior Karen Morton (Adelaide, Australia) had a pair of goals.

 

Two-time NCAA Championship MVP Hilary Bowen scored five goals for the Wildcats (1-0), while reigning Tewaaraton Trophy winner Hannah Nielsen and Danielle Spencer both had three goals and two assists.

 

The Pioneers will face the Canadian national team in an exhibition contest on Sunday at noon. Denver will open its home schedule at Barton Stadium against No. 3 Duke on Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.