DENVER – For the first time since joining the conference in 2017, the University of Denver women's lacrosse team earned the No. 1 spot in the BIG EAST Preseason Poll. The Pioneers also placed five student-athletes on the All-BIG EAST Preseason Team, including senior Kennedy Milburn who was also named the BIG EAST Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
 
With 25 total points and five first place votes, the Pioneers will be the team-to-beat in their five upcoming conference games this season. Georgetown earned second place with 21 points and one first place vote, Marquette placed third with 16 points, followed by Villanova (14), Old Dominion (8) and Butler (6).
 
The five athletes selected to the BIG EAST Preseason Team include Maddie Baum, Quintin Hoch-Bullen, Julia Feiss, Molly Little and Milburn. Hoch-Bullen, Feiss and Milburn were all unanimous selections to the preseason team. Hoch-Bullen wrapped up the 2018 season as the BIG EAST Co-Freshman of the Year, while Feiss and Milburn earned first team honors and Baum earned second team.
 
The Pioneers open the 2019 season on Friday, Feb. 8 on the road against Stanford. The first home contest comes on Feb. 16 against Louisville, and Denver will open conference games in Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on March 30 against Old Dominion.
 
In addition to being the first ranked team in the BIG EAST Preseason Poll, the Crimson and Gold are also receiving votes in the Inside Lacrosse Preseason Poll.
 
PIONEER MOVEMENT: 
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