DENVER – The University of Denver women's basketball team dropped its first of a two-game road trip, 72-54, against UC San Diego on Friday night in California.
 
Coryn Watts led the Pioneers offensively with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Laia Monclova added 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Brooke Murrell was a strong presence on the defensive end with 8 points and 2 blocks. Karolina Padilla also chipped in 11 points.
 
Denver and UC San Diego remained scoreless for nearly four minutes of the first quarter before the Tritons put up the first points of the night. Esparza's deep bucket at the six minute mark but Denver on the board. After committing eight turnovers, the Pioneers ended the first frame down 12-9.
 
Putting the exclamation point on a 7-0 run, Padilla snagged the loose ball and layup to tie the game, 14-14. The Pioneers held the Tritons scoreless for nearly four minutes and DU took advantage for a 16-14 lead. UCSD capitalized with seven points off turnovers to retake a 19-16 lead at the halfway mark of the second. Both teams started to find their stride offensively but the Tritons took a three-point lead into the locker room at halftime.
 
UCSD put together an 18-5 run to start the second half, extending their lead to 46-30 at the six minute mark of the third. Denver continued to struggle against the Tritons defense and was unable to cut the deficit, trailing 59-41 with one quarter remaining.
 
Denver battled through the final frame, but fell to UCSD, 72-54.
 
UP NEXT: Denver travels continues its road trip to take on the LMU Lions on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles.