Box Score BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Denver women's lacrosse team battled to a 9-8 win over the Colorado Buffaloes, on Thursday afternoon at Prentup Field.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter off a quick goal by Eva Thomsen-Marr and a pair of goals by Olivia Ripple. Colorado responded with a pair of goals of their own, but the Denver defense held firm, giving the Pioneers a 3-2 advantage after the first frame.

Lauren Black scored a behind-the-back goal from inside the eight meter to extend the Denver lead, 4-2. Colorado's Maddie Shoup recorded a pair of goals to tie the game at 11:25 in the second. Black added her second of the day and Raegan Wilson found the back of the net to take a 6-5 advantage into halftime.

Caroline Bowers was the lone goal-scorer for the Pioneers with a pair of goals in the third quarter and extended the lead to 8-6 with one quarter remaining.

Molly Reed connected for the Buffs to cut the Pioneer lead to one with just over three minutes remaining in the final quarter. The hot pink defense stifled the Buffs in the final minutes and Lindsey Wilmot came up with the key takeaway with 58 seconds remaining to secure the 9-8 win for the Pioneers.

KEY PERFORMANCES

Lauren Black led the offense with a pair of goals and two helpers and Olivia Ripple tacked on two goals of her own. Caroline Bowers also recorded a pair of goals.

Sarah Pokorny had two caused turnovers in the win and Megan Klingenberg added a trio of ground balls. Alex Dorr led the draw effort with four wins in the circle.

Lexi Gwaku made five saves between the pipes.

UP NEXT: The Pioneers return to Peter Barton to take on the Butler Bulldogs on Sunday at 11 a.m. MT.