DENVER -- The University of Denver defeated Georgetown, 12-4, in a physical Big East Championship Game to win its sixth-straight conference tournament.
The Pioneers jumped out to a red-hot start, turning defense into offense with
Kyra Obert on a caused turnover, taking it down to the offensive end for the opening goal. Denver dominated defensively with four caused turnovers, and
Caroline Keil added back-to-back goals to make it 4-0 after the first quarter.
Keil tacked on her fourth of the day before Georgetown responded to make it 5-1.
Caroline Bowers got through the legs of Georgetown's goalie off an assist from Keil to make it 6-2 at the half.
Lexi Gwaku started the second half with a big save on a free-position goal, her eighth save of the day. Keil continued to dominate for Denver with two more goals before Georgetown responded to make it 8-3 with one quarter remaining.
Eva Thomsen-Marr,
Ryan Dineen and
Olivia Ripple all found the back of the net in the final frame to secure the 12-4 win and Big East Tournament title for the Pioneers.
KEY PERFORMANCES:
Caroline Keil led the Pioneers offensively with seven points on five goals and two assists and
Eva Thomsen-Marr tacked on a pair of goals and a pair of helpers.
Ava Welty caused four turnovers and grabbed four ground balls and
Carly Frohnapfel and
Lindsey Wilmot each added a pair. WIlmot added five ground balls and
Kyra Obert added four.
Lexi Gwaku was dominant in goal with a career-high 13 saves and a 0.765 save percentage, and the four goals allowed is tied for the fewest ever in a Big East Championship game.
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM:
Olivia Ripple, Jr., Attack
Caroline Keil, R-So., Attack
Megan Klingenberg, Sr., Defender
Landry Grover, Sr., Defender
Lexi Gwaku, So., Goalkeeper
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER:
Lexi Gwaku, So., Goalkeeper
The Pioneers await their postseason fate in the NCAA Selection show tomorrow at 7 p.m. MT on ESPNU.
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