INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 16 University of Denver women's lacrosse team defeated Butler 16-5 on Saturday morning. The Pioneers pushed their win streak to four games, and improved to 11-2 (3-0 BIG EAST) on the year. The Bulldogs dropped to 3-11 (0-3 BIG EAST).
 
Bea Behrins led the brigade for Denver, totaling four goals on six shots and one assist. The sophomore attacker has proved to be a valuable asset for the Denver offense, scoring 2+ goals in nine of the 13 games this season.
 
"I was proud of our starters for setting the pace of play early so that we could get our bench significant playing time today," said head coach Liza Kelly. "Everyone contributed to today's win!"
 
Pioneer Performers:
Sammie Morton put the Butler defense to work, totaling a career high three goals and four shots against the Bulldogs. She brings her season total to six goals, also scoring against Fairfield, Harvard and Old Dominion.
 
Quintin Hoch-Bullen posted two goals against BU, while Kendra Lanuza, Julia Feiss, Alex Di Chiara, Grace DeRose, Hannah Liddy, Kailee Lammers and Kayla DeRose all notched one.
 
Maddie Baum and Molly Little controlled center field, accumulating a combined nine draws (Baum – 5, Little – 4). Grace DeRose tabbed the final draw, bringing Denver's total to 10 against BU.
 
Carson Gregg saw 30 minutes of action, making four saves and allowing only one goal for a .800 save percentage. Alexa DiCaprio and Chloe Lewis split the remaining 30 minutes in net.
 
Denver Defense:
The Pioneers are one of the most brutal defenses to play against in the nation, partially due to the seniors that lead it. Kennedy Milburn, Audrey Schreck and Nicki Wilkinson have become masters of their craft, allowing only 81 goals in 13 games this season and ranking No. 1 in the NCAA for scoring defense (6.33).
 
Milburn totaled three ground balls against Butler, bringing her to 16 on the year.
 
By The Numbers:
The Crimson and Gold out-shot the Bulldogs 39-12 for their third BIG EAST victory this season. Denver also went 11-13 on clears and totaled 22 ground balls with 13 caused turnovers.
 
Butler accumulated four ground balls and two caused turnovers.
 
Timeline:
The Pioneers kicked off the contest with six-consecutive goals, two coming in the first minutes from Lanuza and Quintin Hoch-Bullen. The Bulldogs posted their first with 15 minutes remaining in the half, but Bea Behrins responded just three minutes later. Denver posted four more to be up 12-1 at the half.
 
Butler came out of the gate ready to go after the half, scoring their second goal just a minute and a half in. Morton, Lammers and Bea Behrins all scored again for the Pioneers, while Butler posted two in a row. Grace DeRose wrapped up the game with her second goal of the season.
 
What's Next:
The Pioneers will host their final home game of the season on Friday, April 19 against Marquette. The team will recognize its 10 seniors for their efforts and accomplishments over the last four years.
 
PIONEER MOVEMENT: 
Fans interested in making a donation to the women's lacrosse program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.  
 
POSTSEASON WATCH PARTY LOCATIONS:
For all nationally televised 2019 postseason contests throughout Denver Athletics, join one of Denver's Official Watch Parties at the following locations: Crimson and Gold, Stadium Inn, The Pioneer and Smiling Moose.