EVANSTON, Ill. - The University of Denver women's lacrosse team took a one-goal lead in the second quarter but were unable for complete the upset victory against the top-ranked Northwestern Wildcats on Friday night in Evanston.

The Wildcats got an early lead with three unanswered goals, holding Denver scoreless for the first 18 minutes of play before Lauren Black put the Pios on the board thanks to a pass from freshman Kyra Obert. Obert took back the offensive momentum for Denver with a midfield turnover, turning defense into offense with the first of three unanswered goals to cut the Pioneers deficit to one at the half.

Immediately after the intermission, Olivia Penoyer and Julia Gilbert spearheaded the offense with back to back goals to earn the tie, and the Pioneers only lead of the game.

The Pios and the Wildcats traded blows in the third, but four unanswered goals in the final frame proved too much of a deficit for Denver to overcome.

Obert led the Pioneers with three goals, the first hat trick of her career, and added in a helper. Penoyer was Denver's only other multi-goal scorer, while five other Pios tallied goals in the contest. 

Trinity McPherson led the defensive effort with three caused turnovers while Emelia Bohi, Anna Palmisano, and Sam Thacker each had a pair. In goal, Bohi made a season-high nine saves.

The Wildcats were led offensively by Madison Taylor and Izzy Scane. Goalkeeper Molly Laliberty made 12 saves between the pipes.

UP NEXT: The Pioneers travel to New York on Monday to take on [11] Stony Brook.