The University of Denver’s women’s lacrosse team, currently ranked 19th, is ready to face the High Point Panthers this Sunday at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The game kicks off at 12 p.m. MT, and the Pioneers have a solid record against the Panthers, having won all three previous matchups. Their last game against High Point ended in a decisive 19-10 victory back in May 2018.
This season has been exciting for the Pioneers, who started strong with a 4-0 record—marking their best start since 2023. They’ve had impressive wins, including a 15-11 victory over Towson and a 17-9 win against Vanderbilt. After this weekend, Denver will embark on a two-game road trip, opening against No. 18 Stony Brook in New York on March 6.
Offensively, the Pioneers are making waves. They rank 15th in the nation for scoring, averaging 15.25 goals per game. What’s more, they have three attackers racking up double-digit goals: Caroline Keil leads with 17, followed by Olivia Ripple with 15 and Ryan Dineen with 11. This balanced scoring approach means they’ve had five or more players finding the net in every game so far.
Caroline Keil has been particularly impressive. She’s not only the team leader with 17 goals and three assists but also ranks sixth nationally with an average of 4.25 goals per game. Her ability to score from free positions (1.50 goals per game) is noteworthy too, showcasing her effectiveness in critical moments.
On the horizon, both Ryan Dineen and Olivia Ripple are closing in on career milestones. Dineen needs just 17 more goals to hit the 100-goal mark, while Ripple is 13 goals away. The last Pioneer to reach this milestone was Lauren Black in 2025, and it took her only 53 games.
Looking ahead to the leadership for the 2026 season, the Pioneers have appointed seniors Carly Frohnapfel, Landry Grover, and Megan Klingenberg, along with junior Olivia Ripple, as team captains. These players have consistently demonstrated their skills on the field. Frohnapfel is a defensive powerhouse who started all games last season. Grover contributed significantly as well, ranking second on the team in ground balls.
In recent years, women’s lacrosse has gained popularity, and sites like Lacrosse Magazine report a 10% increase in participation at the youth level. This surge in interest reflects a broader trend where more women are engaging in sports, fostering a culture of teamwork and empowerment.
For detailed updates on the Pioneers’ journey through NCAA Division I sports, check out DenverPioneers.com. You can also follow their social media for live updates and insights.
