DENVER- The University of Denver women's basketball team bounced back with a 80-53 victory over Colorado Christian on Wednesday night in Hamilton Gymnasium.

A trio of Pioneers led the offensive effort: Laia Monclova with a career-high 30 points, Coryn Watts added 20 and Tori Baker chipped in a career-best 18 points. Watts and Monclova led the effort on the boards with eight rebounds apiece and Lily Esparza added six. Monclova made an impact on both ends of the floor, leading the defense with two blocks and six steals. 

The Pioneers jumped out to a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter behind 3-pointers from Monclova and Watts and a layup by Baker. Colorado Christian trimmed the deficit to 13-7 before Denver closed the quarter on an 11-4 run, capped by a three-point play from Watts, to lead 24-11.

Monclova hit her third 3-pointer early in the second quarter to push her total to 11 points, but Denver went cold for more than five minutes as the Cougars cut the lead to 29-25. Monclova broke the drought with a steal and score to give the Pioneers a 35-25 halftime advantage.

Denver took control in the third quarter with suffocating defense. The Pioneers forced back-to-back backcourt turnovers to start the half, sparking an 8-0 run. Colorado Christian went scoreless for more than two minutes as Denver closed the quarter on a 13-2 surge to extend its lead to 55-36.

The Pioneers continued their offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter, building the lead to 69-42. Denver held its momentum through to the final buzzer to earn the 80-53 win.

Monclova finished 11 of 21 from the field and 7 of 13 from 3-point range while adding eight rebounds and six steals. 

UP NEXT: The Pioneers close out 2025 against Cal Baptist on Friday at 1 p.m. MT in Hamilton Gymnasium. 

Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.-
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