By any measure, head coach Liza Kelly and her team had another outstanding season. They have won 16 or more games in each of the last five seasons. In 2023, they racked up 22 wins in a run to the program’s first and only Championship Weekend. About the only remaining question is: Can DU women’s lacrosse take the next step and be the first all-women’s team at University and Evans to win a national championship? They have done just about everything else.

Denver Women’s Lacrosse finished the 2026 season with a strong 16-4 overall record (6-0 BIG EAST), winning the conference regular season and tournament titles before advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. They defeated Florida 16-8 in the first round but lost 11-9 to Colorado in Boulder. CU extended its favorite Northwestern to two overtime periods before falling in the national quarterfinals on a controversial call.

Denver was a season-long top-tier defensive team nationally (6.9 goals allowed per game) with an explosive offense that averaged 14 goals per game. The balance held Denver in games all season long.

The offense was strong and consistent. They tallied 280 goals, 138 assists (418 points total) on 600 shots (.467 shot % — that is elite efficiency). They made the most of their 30 shots per game. Denver prospered on free positions (58 made) and woman-up opportunities (51).

On defense, the ‘Hot Pink’ defense, a staple of Kelly’s teams, held opponents to 138 goals, caused 184 turnovers, secured 300 ground balls, and cleared the defensive zone at a high rate (.912). Denver also earned a significant 248-196 draw-control edge. All-American goalie Lexi Gwaku (So.) started all 20 games, allowing 130 goals (7.22 GAA) and made 142 saves (.522 SV%).

Attacker Olivia Ripple and goalie Lexi Gwaku were named Inside Lacrosse All-Americans. Both players return next season.

The team showed elite scoring efficiency and depth. Denver had multiple 4+ goal scorers along with a balanced attack. They dominated weaker opponents (19-1 vs. Xavier, 18-6 vs. High Point). Their trademark defense created opponent turnovers, secured ground balls, and led to fast-break opportunities. Finally, the stingy defense generated an edge in ground balls and draw controls, while special teams created extra possessions, leading to scoring opportunities. The result? An unblemished BIG EAST record.

While it is tough to identify weaknesses, tougher opponents exposed DU vulnerabilities. Losses to teams like Stony Brook (OT), Michigan, and Colorado (twice) showed struggles in some road/away games against strong, deep defenses and attacks. They allowed more scoring in those matchups. An increased rate of turnovers was also an issue (278) during the season, even though opponents had more. Denver was also heavily reliant on their top 3-4 attackers for production, allowing top teams to clamp down on the Pioneers’ best attackers.

That being said, unlike Denver men’s lacrosse, the women’s balanced schedule allowed the team to gain confidence and wins as the season progressed. They appeared to gain confidence before running out of gas in Boulder during the second round of the NCAA Tournament. CU went on to carry Northwestern into two overtimes before falling. That is a clear signal that western teams are closing the gap on the eastern bluebloods.

Denver is returning scoring firepower next season – only senior Ryan Dineen (29 goals, 29 assists) is departing. Inside Lacrosse All-American Olivia Ripple (Jr., Attack) (73 goals, 15 assists) is a key returner for next season. Ripple was the dominant scorer and draw-control ace for the Pioneers. Star Caroline Keil (R-So., Attack) (61 goals, 16 assists) was a scoring machine for Denver. Playmaker Eva Thomsen-Marr (So., Attack) (44 goals, 33 assists) capped the top three goal producers for DU. Other key contributors include Caroline Bowers (26 goals) and Karleigh Mutch (23 goals), as they provided additional scoring depth and punch.

The biggest challenge next season will be the loss of several key contributors in the midfield and on defense.

Carly Frohnapfel (Sr., Defense/Draw Specialist) was a key contributor on draw controls and defense. All-BIG EAST Tournament Megan Klingenberg (Sr., Defense) was a defensive leader, strong on ground balls, and caused turnovers. Landry Grover (Sr., Defense) was another solid defensive stalwart. Finally, Lindsey Wilmot (Sr., Midfield) was a solid presence in midfield and draws.

These five losses will impact defense and draw control, and caused turnovers. Kelly will have work to do to fill these holes with recruits and returning student-athletes.

Most of the core roster returns next season, positioning Denver for another strong season and, maybe, a trip to the Women’s Lacrosse Championship (Final Four) at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Retaining Ripple and Keil should be a priority for the coaching staff. Goalie Lexi Gwaku and midfielders Caroline Bowers (So., Def.), Karleigh Mutch (Fr., Def.), and Kyra Obert (Jr., MF) add stability and defense down the middle. Ava Welty (RS Jr., Def) and Kiri Weber (So., Def.) will be expected to pick up the slack on the defensive end with several key departures. Denver will also have strong freshman and sophomore classes to provide depth, backed by a solid incoming recruiting class.

Overall, 2026 was a very successful season with a conference championship and an NCAA tournament run. The team showed balance on both offense and defense, but was vulnerable against upper-echelon teams. The loss of several senior defenders to graduation will be the biggest challenge, but the returning offensive stars and an outstanding goalie should keep DU at the top of the BIG EAST and nationally next season.

Top photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

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