Denver Closes out Fall Season

DENVER - The University of Denver women's lacrosse team closed out its fall season with a win over Colorado State on Oct. 27. The Pioneers lost just one of their fall matches, with that lone defeat coming at the hands of 2012 NCAA runner-up Syracuse at the Navy Tournament.

"I think the level of effort we've seen this fall has been second to none during the time that I've been here," head coach Liza Kelly said. "I think the girls are working really hard both on and off the field, and are being good citizens off the field as well. It's been really rewarding to see their progress."

One of the most encouraging signs for Kelly this fall season was the play of redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Hook (Arnold, Md.), after the Pioneers lost 2012 team captain Ashley Harman to graduation. Harman started all 15 games last season, and finished her career third on Denver's all-time goals-against average list at 10.42 and ranks first in school history in goals allowed (544), save percentage (.430) and saves (410). But despite losing their top net-minder, Kelly is pleased with the way Hook has stepped up to fill the void.

"We knew that the goalie spot would be open, and we've been grooming Hannah to take it over," Kelly said. "She didn't have the experience Ashley had, and we had some question marks heading into the fall, but she has surpassed all of our expectations."

Kelly was also pleased with the leadership provided by her team captains. Denver named seniors Jessica Gring (Baltimore, Md.), Kate Henrich (Lansdale, Pa.) and Kara Secora (Denver, Colo.) as captains for the upcoming season, and Kelly believes the group will do a solid job of leading the team this season.

"I think the play of all three of our captains on the field has raised our level of play every single day," Kelly said. "I think we are competing against each other really hard, and I think that's because we have some very talented upperclassmen who are making everybody better."

Still, Kelly knows her team still has some things to work on.

"I think we need to keep fine-tuning our stick work," Kelly said. "We also need to get better making adjustments on the field, rather than always looking to the sideline. We need to be able to recognize what teams are running offensively and what defenses our opponents are showing us."

Denver opens its regular season Feb. 16 on the road against Vanderbilt. The Pioneers will open their home slate when they host Louisville March 2 at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.