DENVER -- The University of Denver women's lacrosse team dominated en-route to a 21-4 victory over the Stetson Hatters on Friday night at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.
Denver erupted for 11 goals in the opening quarter, setting the tone immediately. Ryan Dineen opened the scoring just 22 seconds into the game. Carys Volley followed with the first goal of her collegiate career off an assist from Caroline Keil to make it 2–0. Goals from Caroline Bowers and Keil pushed the lead to 4–0 before Stetson briefly answered.
The Pioneers quickly reasserted control. Keil scored again before Olivia Ripple netted her 100th career goal during a three-goal burst. Ripple later completed her first-half hat trick , part of a dominant offensive performance that helped Denver surge ahead 11-1 after one quarter.
Denver continued to pile on in the second. Ripple added two more goals while Volley scored her second of the game. Bowers capped the half with a goal off a feed from Dakota Riggio to give the Pioneers a 15-1 halftime lead.
The scoring pace slowed slightly after the break, but Denver remained firmly in control. Riggio opened the third-quarter scoring before EvaThomsen-Marr added back-to-back goals, including one on a free-position chance, extending the lead to 19-1.
Dineen struck again early in the fourth quarter off an assist from Rowan Lawrence, and Megan Myers followed with an unassisted goal that pushed the margin to 21-1.
Goalkeeper Lauren Hall added a key late save as the Pioneers maintained control down the stretch. Stetson scored three late goals to close the game, but Denver's early offensive explosion proved more than enough to earn the 21-4 victory.
KEY PERFORMANCES
Olivia Ripple led the charge offensively with five goals, including the 100th of her career, alongside five draw controls and a caused turnover.
Ryan Dineen recorded a hat trick, and
Caroline Keil,
Caroline Bowers,
Eva Thomsen-Marr,
Carys Volley,
Megan Myers and
Dakota Riggio each added two goals apiece. The goals mark the first of both Volley and Riggio's careers.
Megan Klingenberg had a career-high five caused turnovers and four ground balls.
Alex Dorr was dominant in the circle with 11 draw wins.
The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday at 12 p.m. MT to host Charlotte at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.
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