DENVER – University of Denver women's lacrosse players Ali Flury (Arnold, Md.) and Steph Coyne (Baltimore, Md.) both recorded hat tricks, as the Pioneers scratched out an 11-10 victory over Cal at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Denver (8-4, 2-0 MPSF) jumped out to an 8-3 lead early in the second half, but the Bears (4-8, 2-1 MPSF) clawed their way back with four straight goals, including two by Alyse Kennedy, who had three in the game to go along with a pair of assists.

The teams traded goals over the next five minutes until freshman Lauren Ciccomascolo (Ladera Ranch, Calif.) scored what would prove to be the game-winner on a free position shot with 5:20 remaining.

Megan Carver (Baltimore, Md.) recorded a goal and two assists, and Karen Morton (Adelaide, Australia) scored a goal to inch closer to DU's all-time record in points. Morton's 229 career points trail Steph Greenlees (2003-06) by only two.

DU freshman goalkeeper Ashley Harman (Boyertown, Pa.) earned the win with seven saves, while Cal goalkeeper Morgan Dyson was credited with the loss despite making 16 saves.

The Pioneers conclude their home schedule at Barton Stadium against Oregon on April 4 at 1:00 p.m., when Denver will honor its seniors.

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DENVER – After trailing by as many as five goals, California crept back within one goal of MPSF foe Denver with three minutes and 11 seconds remaining but could not produce another shot in an 11-10 loss on Saturday at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The Golden Bears' record fell to 4-8 (2-1 MSPF). The Pioneers improved to 8-4 (2-0 MPSF). After opening the season at 4-3, Cal has lost its last five games.

Cal junior midfielder Alyse Kennedy scored the Bears' final goal, which gave her a game-high five points (3 goals, 2 assists). Bears senior goalkeeper Morgan Dyson made 16 saves in the loss.

Steph Coyne and Aly Flury each scored a hat trick, and Megan Carver added three points (1 goal, 2 assists) for the Pioneers. Goalie Ashley Harman preserved the Denver win with seven saves.

"If a couple things had gone differently, if we had a few less mistakes in the first half, even down the stretch, we could've won it," Cal head coach Theresa Sherry said. "I'm proud of the way the team fought. It was the first time I saw us play together and up to our potential in a while. Alyse made an impact off the bench. We did what we talked about all year, and almost got the win.

"Morgan kept us in it. The defense was tired. We put them in position to play down there a bit because of turnovers in midfield. She made stops on some eight meters and on some opportunities that they had inside."

Cal returns home to host MPSF opponent Saint Mary's at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at Memorial Stadium.

2009-03-28