Denver Vs. Loyola Final Score, 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament: Loyola Holds On For 10-9 Victory

The Loyola Greyhounds are going to championship weekend in the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament for the first time since 1998 following a 10-9 victory over the Denver Pioneers on Saturday afternoon. This was Denver's third loss to Loyola this season and sixth one-goal loss in 2012.

Down 6-4 at the start of the second half, Loyola's Chris Layne scored nearly two minutes into the third period for a 7-4 lead. However, Denver scored two goals in quick succession, Cameron Flint and freshman Wes Berg scoring within 90 seconds of each other. But that was it for the Pioneers that quarter. Eric Lusby scored two more goals for a 9-6 lead and to reach five goals for the game.

Denver made a charge during the middle of the fourth quarter with Mark Matthews and Jeremy Noble each scoring a goal over a span of 65 seconds, but the game played steady after that until less than three minutes remained. Wes Berg scored his second goal with 2:43 left, cutting the deficit to 10-9.

With 24 seconds left in the game, Denver won the final face-off and took the ball down the field, but Cameron Flint's shot was blocked. Loyola picked the ball up and ran out the clock.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse, head over to College Crosse.

Denver Vs. Loyola Halftime Score, 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament: Pioneers Trail Greyhounds, 6-4

The Denver Pioneers trail the No. 1 Loyola Greyhounds at halftime, 6-4, in the quarterfinals of the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. After battling to a 2-2 tie in the first quarter, Loyola won the second quarter, 4-2.

Eric Lusby has a hat trick and four points already for the Greyhounds, scoring two of those goals in the second quarter. Scott Ratliff and Kevin Ryan scored the other two goals. Denver has allowed three of those goals while with a man in the box.

Mark Matthews scored the Pioneers' first two goals, but he was held scoreless in the second quarter. Jeremy Noble and Cameron Flint picked up the other two goals.

Denver goalie Ryan LaPlante has allowed all six goals while making seven shots.

Can the Pioneers defeat the Greyhounds in their third contest of the season? Thirty minutes remain.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse, head over to College Crosse.

2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament, Denver Vs. Loyola Score Update: Pioneers, Greyhounds Locked In 2-2 Battle

At the end of one quarter, the Denver Pioneers and the Loyola, Md. Greyhounds are tied at 2-2 in this quarterfinal matchup in the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. Loyola dominated early on, but Denver came back in the final minutes of the quarter.

With 10:30 left in the period, Loyola's Mike Sawyer scored the first goal of the game, his 51st of the season. About 90 seconds later, Eric Lusby came up with his 41st goal of the season to take a 2-0 lead. Denver took a timeout to regroup.

The game played tight after that until less than three minutes remained in the quarter. Mark Matthews scored the first Denver goal with 2:20 left on the clock and then the second with just six seconds remaining. Matthews now has 46 goals on the season with the help of Alex Demopoulos on the first goal and Jeremy Noble on the second.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse, head over to College Crosse.

NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament 2012, Loyola Vs. Denver: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Pioneers are set to take on No. 2/2 Loyola for the third time this season and hope to get their first win over the Greyhounds this season. The Pioneers are in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament for the second time in head coach Bill Tierney's tenor and are trying to head back to the Final Four after last years surprise run.

Denver advanced to the second round of the tournament following their 15-14 victory over the No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels last weekend. UNC came up with a goal with 48 seconds left in the game, bringing it to a one-goal game, but that was it. Jeremy Noble was the player of the game with three goals and 10 points, a school record at the Division 1 level. Mark Matthews and Wes Berg each picked up a hat trick, though the former went one step further with five goals. Eric Law and Alex Demopoulos each picked up two goals apiece.

Loyola, the top-seeded team in the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament, defeated the Pioneers by a total of 4 goals in the two previous victories, including a 14-13 win in the ECAC Tournament. The Greyhounds claimed both the ECAC regular-season and conference championships after tallying an unblemished mark in conference-play. Loyola possesses one of the nation's most potent offenses, ranking second in the nation in scoring margin (5.19) and man-up offense (.500).

Denver vs. Loyola faces-off at 12:30 on ESPN2 and ESPN3 in Annapolis, MD.

NCAA Lacrosse Tournament 2012 Results: Denver Pioneers Defeat North Carolina Tar Heels, 16-14

The Denver Pioneers have advanced to the second round of the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament following their 15-14 victory over the No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels. The Pioneers are now 2-6 in games decided by one goal during the 2012 season.

UNC came up with a goal with 48 seconds left in the game, bringing it to a one-goal game, but that was it. There was a ball off the pipe around the 30-second mark, making for and exciting moment.

Jeremy Noble was the player of the game with three goals and 10 points, a school record at the Division 1 level. Mark Matthews and Wes Berg each picked up a hat trick, though the former went one step further with five goals. Eric Law and Alex Demopoulos each picked up two goals apiece.

North Carolina's Marcus Holman scored six goals.

Steven Rastivo made 15 saves for the Tar Heels while Ryan LaPlante finished with nine saves.

The Pioneers will play the No. 1 Loyola, Md. Greyhounds in the second round next week. This will be the third game between the two teams this year. Denver has yet to win.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse, head over to College Crosse.

2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament, UNC Vs. Denver Score Update: Pioneers Take 13-12 Lead Into Final Quarter

After losing the lead in this 2012 NCAA Tournament game, the Denver Pioneers hold a 13-12 lead over the North Carolina Tar Heels after the conclusion of the third period. Jeremy Noble's third goal of the game put the team in the lead at 3:39 of the quarter. Goalie Ryan LaPlante came up with a huge save in the final seconds to preserve the lead.

Mark Matthews increased his goal total to four for the game while Noble and Wes Berg joined the hat trick club for this game. UNC's Marcus Holman picked up his sixth goal of the game, but none of his teammates have been able to score more than one goal.

UNC goalie Steven Rastivo now has 11 saves entering the final quarter of play.

We're in for an exciting finish!

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

UNC Vs. Denver Halftime Score, 2012 NCAA Tournament: Tar Heels Take 10-8 Lead Over Pioneers At Halftime

The North Carolina Tar Heels came roaring back in the second quarter against the Denver Pioneers, taking a 10-8 lead into halftime. UNC's Marcus Holman has five goals so far.

After opening with a 5-2 lead at the end of the first quarter, Denver expanded the lead to 6-2, but they weren't quite able to keep momentum on their side. Holman scored four of his five goals in the second quarter, leading to the 8-3 scoring advantage in that quarter. No other Tar Heel has more than one goal.

For the Pioneers, Mark Matthews is still stuck on his third goal, scoring all three in the first quarter. Wes Berg and Jeremy Noble each have two goals while Alex Demopoulos has the other goal.

UNC goalie Steven Rastivo had made nine saves to Denver goalie Ryan LaPlante's three saves. Will one team be able to come out ahead on defense in the second half?

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

UNC Vs. Denver Score Update, NCAA Lacrosse Tournament 2012: Pioneers Open Up With 5-2 Lead

The Denver Pioneers have kept the pressure on the No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels in their opening round game of the 2012 NCAA Lacrosse team. After the first quarter, the Pioneers hold a 5-2 lead.

Senior attacker Mark Matthews has already netted a hat trick. His first goal was a tight run from behind the net that wound up in the far side of the net. After that, Matthews rifled a shot in very little space for the go-ahead 3-2 goal. His third goal gave the team a 3-2 advantage. He has 42 goals this season and 29 career hat tricks.

Jeremy Noble and Wes Berg have the Pioneers' other goals. Ryan LaPlante has made two saves while allowing both goals. Marcus Holman scored the first goal of the game while R.G. Keenan scored the Tar Heels' second goal just six seconds after Noble put the Pioneers on the board

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament 2012, UNC Vs. Denver: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The 2012 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament is underway on Saturday and the Denver Pioneers will play the No. 8 overall seed North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday evening. Unlike last year when they hosted an NCAA Tournament game, the Pioneers are on the road in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Denver went 8-6 and lost to the Loyola, Md. Greyhounds in the semifinals of the ECAC Tournament. The Pioneers could face the Greyhounds in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but North Carolina (11-5) will be a tough test on Saturday.

The Tar Heels average 12.06 goals and allow 9.50 goals per game. Junior attacker Marcus Holman leads the offense with 33 goals and 66 points. Joey Sankey, a freshman, is second on the team with 41 points while fellow freshman Jimmy Bitter is second in goals with 26. Goalie Steve Rastivo has started all 16 games for the Tar Heels and posted a 9.78 GAA.

Denver is led by senior attacker Mark Matthews and his 39 goals (56 points). Eric Law and freshman Wes Berg follow in the goals category with 24 and 21, respectively. Alex Demopoulos is second in points with 43 and first in assists with 25.

Game time: 5:30 p.m. MT, Saturday, May 12, 2012

Location: Fetzer Field, Chapel Hill, N.C.

TV: ESPNU

And here is a look at the full bracket:

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

NCAA Lacrosse Tournament 2012: Denver Pioneers To Play No. 8 North Carolina

The Denver Pioneers have made the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament for a third straight year under head coach Bill Tierney, gaining an at-large bid and a road trip to play the No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels. The game will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. MT. Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C. will host the game while ESPNU and ESPN3.com will have the broadcast of the game.

Should the Pioneers advance, they could face a rematch with the Loyola, Md. Greyhounds, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, in the second round. The Greyhounds play Canisius in the first round.

The Pioneers made the tournament after going 8-6 and losing to the Greyhounds in the regular season and the ECAC Tournament.

In 2011, the Pioneers hosted the first lacrosse tournament game west of the Mississippi River and advanced all the way to the Final Four. The Pioneers then lost to the eventual champions, the Virginia Cavaliers.

Here is the complete tourney field (click to enlarge):

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament Selection Show: TV Schedule And More

The Denver Pioneers will be looking to hear their name called soon as the 2012 NCAA Tournament Men's Lacrosse Selection Show is happening on Sunday night. ESPNU will be airing the show as the Pioneers look to make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament.

An at-large invitation is potentially what the Pioneers are looking at after losing in the ECAC Tournament. Denver finished the season with an 8-6 record, losing 14-13 in overtime to No. 3 Loyola, Md. in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Denver head coach Bill Tierney has won six NCAA National Championships in his career, all at Princeton, and he's looking to bring similar success to Denver now. After Tierney was hired in 2009, the Pioneers won their first NCAA Tournament game last season, and they're hoping to go even further in 2012.

Selection Show Time: May 6 at 7:00 p.m. MDT

TV Broadcast: ESPNU and ESPN3.com

For more updates on the ECAC Tournament and the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

2012 ECAC Lacrosse Tournament: Ohio State Falls To Fairfield In Semifinal Matchup

In the 2012 ECAC Tournament Semifinal Round at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in Denver, Colo., the No. 2-seed Ohio St. Buckeyes lost to the No. 3-seed Fairfield Stags by a score of 8-7. The Buckeyes fell behind 5-1 in the first quarter, but they rallied back to tie the game at seven before Sam Snow tossed in the clinching goal for Fairfield with under three minutes remaining in the game. Fairfield will take on top-seeded Loyola on Friday for an automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Ohio State is left wait-and-see if they receive an at-large bid when the field is announced on Sunday night.

For more on Fairfield, check out their profile from SB Nation's Lacrosse blog, College Crosse.

For more updates on the ECAC Tournament and the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team, keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

2012 ECAC Lacrosse Tournament: Denver Falls To Loyola In Overtime, 14-13

The ECAC Lacrosse Tournament won't have a repeat championship this year following the No. 4 Denver Pioneers' loss to the No. 1 seed Loyola, Md. Greyhounds on Wednesday. Playing at their own Peter Barton Stadium, host to the tournament, the Pioneers lost when Scott Ratliff won the opening face-off of overtime and scored four seconds later to win, 14-13. Ratliff then went off to the side and Tebowed -- because Denver can never escape Tim Tebow.

The Pioneers allowed 12 goals in the first three periods -- four each time -- but then ran into trouble in the final frame. After allowing one goal, Denver went on to score seven unanswered goals to tie the game, 13-13.

Loyola now waits to find out the winner of the Fairfield-Ohio State matchup on Wednesday evening. The ECAC Championship game will be played at Peter Barton Stadium on Friday.

The Denver Pioneers now appear unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament, losing a chance at the ECAC's automatic bid and holding an 8-6 record that won't cut it for an at-large bid.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

2012 ECAC Lacrosse Tournament, Loyola Vs. Denver: Pioneers Play For Upset On Wednesday

The Denver Pioneers won the inaugural ECAC lacrosse tournament in 2011 and have a chance to make it two in a row, but first they will need to defeat the No. 1 seed Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds. Denver finished fourth in league, setting up this rematch from the regular season. Loyola defeated Denver, 12-9, on April 14 at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, which is where the ECAC Tournament takes place.

Denver went 8-5 during the regular season, averaging 12.23 goals scored and 8.46 goals allowed. Senior attacker Mark Matthews scored 37 goals and 53 points for the team lead in both while freshman Wes Berg has turned in a solid first season with 20 goals (third-best on the team). Freshman goaltender Ryan LaPlante has filled in pleasantly for the injured Jamie Faus, putting up an 8.75 GAA in seven games.

Loyola lost its first game of the season by dropping the regular season finale to the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, 10-9. They are 12-1 entering this contest. The Greyhounds put up 12-plus goals per game while surrendering just 7.31 goals. Mike Sawyer and Eric Lusby are the two main offensive threats for the Greyhounds, scoring 41 and 34 goals, respectively.

The winner awaits either No. 2 Ohio State or No. 3 Fairfield on Friday night.

Game time/date: 5:00 p.m. MT, Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Location: Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver, CO

Broadcast: Pioneer Vision on DenverPioneers.com

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

Duke Vs. Denver: Pioneers Defeat Blue Devils, 15-9, In Mile High Classic

The Denver Pioneers closed out the regular season in style by defeating the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils, 15-9, in the inaugural Mile High Classic at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Pioneers head into the ECAC Tournament at their home field, Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, with an 8-5 overall record and a 3-3 record in the ECAC. They will play No. 1 seed Loyola as the No. 4 seed.

Denver entered Friday's game on a two-game losing streak, but the Pioneers were playing hot from the first face-off. Chase Carraro and Wes Berg scored goals in the first 2:15 of the game, helped by an Alex Demopoulos assist each time. Mark Matthews scored the first of his five goals to make it 3-0 Pioneers with less than six minutes left in the first quarter.

Duke never was able to get a lead in this game, as they were able to tie the game at 5-5 with about two minutes left in the first half before Demopoulos put Denver back in the lead, 6-5, with 98 seconds remaining on the clock. That Demopoulos was the start of five straight goals by the Pioneers.

Duke did manage to close the gap to 11-9 several minutes into the final quarter of play, but Matthews' fifth goal of the game, Berg's and Carraro's second goal each of the game and Paul Danko's lone tally of the game secured the victory.

Freshman goaltender Ryan LaPlante made 16 saves in the victory.

Denver kicks off the ECAC Tournament on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. MT.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

2012 Mile High Classic, Duke Vs. Denver: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The No. 16/16 Denver Pioneers, losers of two straight games to close out the ECAC regular season, now prepare to face the No. 4/3 Duke Blue Devils on Friday in the inaugural Mile High Classic at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Pioneers and Blue Devils will face-off at 8:00 MT. Prior to that, the No. 6/6 Virginia Cavaliers will take on the Penn Quakers at 5:30.

After starting the season with championship aspirations, Denver's season and NCAA Tournament hopes now hinge on the next two contests against two of the best teams in college lacrosse. In order to receive a tournament invite, the Pioneers need impressive performances against the Blue Devils and Greyhounds, two teams currently in the top five in both polls.

The Duke Blue Devils have compiled a 13-3 record that includes a current winning streak of 10 straight games. After early season losses to Notre Dame, Loyola, and Maryland, the Blue Devils have taken down the likes of UNC twice, Syracuse, Virginia and avenged the Maryland loss in a one goal win. Duke is led by midfielders Justin Turri and C.J. Costible, both members of the 2012 Tewaaraton Watch List.

Friday's game will be shown live on ESPNU.

2012 ECAC Lacrosse: Denver Pioneers Capture 4th And Final Spot

The 2012 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament has its four-team field set two weeks before the schools travel to the Denver Pioneers' Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium from May 2-4. Well, three teams will travel to the stadium, as the Denver Pioneers will be the No. 4 team in the field. The Pioneers went 3-3 in ECAC play, two wins better than Air Force and Hobart.

The Pioneers have drawn the No. 1 Loyola (Md.) Greyhounds, whom they lost to earlier in the season, 12-9. Fairfield and Ohio State, both 4-1 and both victorious over the Pioneers this season, have taken seeds No. 2 and No. 3 for the other matchup.

The Pioneers hosted the inaugural ECAC Tournament in 2011, which resulted in Denver winning 11-9 over Fairfield. Can the underdog Pioneers make it two in a row?

Here are the current standings:

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

Fairfield Vs. Denver: Stags Defeat Pioneers In Overtime, 9-8

The Denver Pioneers fell to 7-5 (3-3 ECAC) on Saturday afternoon following a 9-8 overtime loss to the Fairfield Stags. This was the team's third overtime loss of the season and fourth one-goal loss.

Within the first three minutes of the game, the Pioneers had a 2-0 lead following goals by Chase Carraro and Mark Matthews. That turned into a 3-2 deficit after three unanswered goals by the Stags, including two by Sam Snow. However, Wes Berg, Eric Law and Patrick Rogers put three straight balls in the net for a 5-3 lead after 11 minutes came off the clock in the second period. Yet, within a span of 17 seconds, the Stags tied the game up. Alex Cramer's second goal of the game left the score at 5-5 heading into halftime.

Wes Berg went on to complete a hat trick in the second half while Mark Matthews tallied his second goal of the game. But, just as they did all game long, the Stags countered with their own scoring streak, adding the final three goals of regulation over the last eight minutes of the game, the final one with 19 seconds left. Sam Snow picked up goals No. 3 and No. 5 for the Stags, scoring four in total during regulation. He added his fifth just 32 seconds into overtime for the victory.

The Pioneers wrap up the regular season on Friday with a contest against the Duke Blue Devils at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. They will play the second game of the Mile High Classic at 8 p.m. MT.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

Loyola Vs. Denver Final Score: Pioneers Fail Against Greyhounds, 12-9

The Denver Pioneers fell to 7-4 overall and 3-2 in ECAC play during the 2012 college lacrosse season after a 12-9 loss to the No. 4 Loyola Greyhounds. The Pioneers have an ECAC game against Fairfield next week before playing Duke in the Mile High Classic to close out the regular season.

Loyola started the scoring with two goals over the first seven minutes of the game before Cameron Flint put the Pioneers on the board. The Greyhounds ended the first period with a 4-2 lead and went into halftime with a 6-5 lead.

Jeremy Noble recorded a hat trick in this game, his first goal tying the game at 5-5 in the second quarter and his second knotting the game at 7-7 in the third quarter. His final goal, though, came with 1:54 left in the game and cut the Greyhounds' lead to 11-9.

Eric Adamson's goal with 8:24 left in the third gave the Pioneers their only lead of the game, 8-7. That capped a three-goal scoring stretch for the Pioneers before the Greyhounds put up four unanswered goals.

Mark Matthews was held goalless while Alex Demopoulos scored two goals and tallied four points. Chase Carraro assisted on a goal and won 21-of-25 faceoffs. Goalie Ryan LaPlante allowed all 12 goals and made 12 saves.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

NCAA Lacrosse, Loyola Vs. Denver: Pioneers Face Top Five Opponent In Front Of A Sold-Out Crowd

The No. 8/10 Denver Pioneers take on the fourth ranked and undefeated Loyola Greyhounds tonight in a huge match-up for both teams conference and NCAA Tournament outlooks. The ball drops at 7:00 p.m. at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium and is being broadcast live on Comcast CET and PioneerVision.

College Crosse has summed up what's at stake for both teams tonight:

Loyola can sew up the one-seed in the ECAC Tournament with the victory -- a loss to Hobart in their league finale doesn't hurt the Greyhounds on the table as they'll hold head-to-head tiebreakers against Denver, Ohio State, and Fairfield. Denver needs the win against Loyola as the Buckeyes hold a head-to-head tiebreaker against the Pioneers and there are, for the time being, one-, two-, three-, four-, and no-seed possibilities remaining down the stretch for Denver. (The low-end permutations are going to be built, in large part, on what the Stags do with their remaining schedule and may turn on each team's league closer between one another. The no-seed possibility is slim -- it requires Denver to lose out, Air Force to win out, and Fairfield to finish at least 3-3 with a win over the Pioneers -- and that probably won't happen.) Basically, the Pioneers could end up anywhere from the one-seed to the four-seed for the playoffs, but a win against the Greyhounds keeps them towards the top of all seeding scenarios, which is a nice thing to have when, you know, you're hosting the damn tournament.

After tonight Denver has one final ECAC match-up on the road against Fairfield on April 21st before their final regular season match-up in a nationally televised game against the Duke Blue Devils at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

NCAA Lacrosse, Bellarmine Vs. Denver: Pioneers Continue Homestand Against The Knights

The Denver Pioneers play a rare Friday night game as they continue their three-game home stand and take on the Bellarmine Knights at 7:00 p.m. at Peter Barton Stadium. The Pioneers, currently ranked No. 9/11 have won two straight after two tough losses on the road. Last Saturday, they had no problem defeating Hobart in a 15-8 conference win.

Senior Mark Matthews (second active career goal scorer in the nation) continues to lead the Pioneers with 37 points on 25 goals and 12 assists while carrying a 38-game goal scoring streak into today's game. Junior Chase Carraro leads the team in face-off's with a .6158 face-off percentage. DU has out-scored its opponents 115-74 through eight games so far.

The Bellarmine Knights, from Louisville, Kentucky, enter today's game with a 3-4 record. The team is 0-3 in the ECAC, dropping games to Loyola, Ohio State and Fairfield. They are led by Michael Ward who has tallied 15 goals and two assists.

You can view the game with the live video from DU on Pioneer vision.

The Pioneers follow up the match with Bellarmine with a huge tilt against undefeated and current No. 4 Loyola in Denver.

NCAA Lacrosse 2012, Denver Vs. Hobart: Pioneers Defeat Statemen, 15-8

The Denver Pioneers lacrosse team improved to 6-3 on the 2012 season following Saturday's 15-8 victory over the Hobart Statesmen. In the Pioneers' first game back at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver also improved to 2-1 in ECAC play.

Senior Mark Matthews led the Pioneers with four goals and five points, giving him his 25th career hat trick. Freshman Wes Berg continued an impressive rookie campaign with three goals and four points. Alex Demopoulos and Jeremy Noble each picked up three points. Chase Carraro was impressive once again during face-offs, winnings 22-of-23.

Hobart played Denver close for most of the first half, scoring three straight goals in the second period to tie the game at 6-6. But over the final three minutes of the half, Noble scored his two goals and assisted on a Matthews goal in between his own, entering halftime with a 9-6 lead.

Denver scored five unanswered goals in the third to take a 14-6 lead into the final quarter. Hobart managed to score two goals, but freshman goalkeeper Ryan LaPlante continued to fill in nicely for Jamie Faus. LaPlante allowed all eight goals and made five saves on 13 saves.

The Pioneers stay at home for a Friday contest against Bellarmine this coming week.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

NCAA Lacrosse, Hobart Vs. Denver: Pioneers Return To Peter Barton Stadium

The Denver Pioneers finally return to Peter Barton Stadium on Saturday to take on ECAC Conference opponent Hobart at 1:00 p.m. Denver is back on their home turf after an extended cross-country road trip that saw the Pioneers finish with a 2-2 record with wins over No. 10 Penn State and Air Force and two one goal overtime losses to top ten opponents Notre Dame and Cornell.

Senior Mark Matthews (second active career goal scorer in the nation) leads the Pio's with 32 points so far this year on 21 goals and 11 assists and carries a 37-game goal scoring streak into today's game. Junior Chase Carraro leads the team in face-off's with a .617 face-off percentage. DU has out-scored its opponents 100-66 through seven games so far.

The Hobart Statesmen, from upstate New York, enter today's game with a 2-5 record after dropping four of their last five games. The team features the sixth-best face-off unit in the nation with a win percentage of just over 59%. Denver will be looking to score against one of the best goalies in the country. Peter Zonino is second in the nation so far this season with 14.17 saves per game.

You can view the game live on Comcast channel 105 as well as live video from DU.

The Pioneers follow up the match with Hobart with another home game against Bellarmine before top five ranked Loyola comes to town for a huge face-off on April 14th.

NCAA Lacrosse Scores, Denver Vs. Air Force: Pioneers Defeat Falcons, 11-8

The Denver Pioneers re-entered the win column on Saturday afternoon by defeating the Air Force Falcons, 11-8. The victory moves the Pioneers to 5-3 overall with a 1-1 record in the ECAC. Air Force is 3-4 with an 0-2 ECAC record.

The Pioneers opened the scoring with Eric Adamson's second goal of the season with 9:15 left to play in the first quarter. The quarter was played tightly, as it ended in a 2-2 tie. But the second quarter belonged to the Pioneers with six more goals scored, entering halftime with an 8-4 lead. In the first half, Denver had goals by Adamson, Cameron Flint, Wes Berg (twice), Jeremy Noble, Chase Carraro (twice) and Mark Matthews.

In the second half of the game, Chase Carraro completed the hat trick by scoring with 1:44 left in the third frame. Noble and Flint scored their second goals of the game earlier in the period. Air Force put three on the board in the third and one late one in the fourth quarter to make it a three-goal game.

Ryan LaPlante made his second start in relief of the injured Jamie Faus (who will miss the remainder of the season with a ruptured Achilles) and allowed all eight goals. He made 12 saves in the game.

The Pioneers host the Hobart Statesmen next Saturday.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

College Lacrosse, Denver Vs. Air Force: Pioneers Return To Colorado But Not Quite Home Yet

The Denver Pioneers are back in Colorado, but they aren't back home yet at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. On Saturday afternoon, the Pioneers head to Colorado Springs, CO, to play the Air Force Falcons (3-3) at Falcon Stadium.

The Pioneers enter this contest having lost their last two games in overtime, triple overtime to Notre Dame and single overtime to Cornell. At 4-3 overall, the Pioneers will need a win on Saturday to stop from falling far down in the rankings. With the out-of-conference schedule mostly finished (there is a Mile High Classic game against Duke at the end of April), the Pioneers play their first ECAC game since losing the season opener against the Ohio St. Buckeyes.

Mark Matthews enters this game with the Pioneers' lead in goals (20) and points (30). Chase Carraro has continued his strong play during face-offs, winnings 64 percent of his battles. Goalie Jamie Faus is expected out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, giving way to either Troy Orzech or Ryan LaPlante.

The Pioneers will need to watch out for Air Force's Mike Crampton and his 15 goals and Keith Dryer's 26 points (nine goals). Austin Fox allows 11.02 goals per game, which bodes well for Denver's continued success against the Academy.

The ball drops at 1:00 p.m. MT and Air Force will have live video, which can be found here.

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Denver Pioneers Lacrosse 2012: G Jamie Faus Expected To Miss Remainder Of Season

The Denver Pioneers announced on Saturday morning that sophomore goalie Jamie Faus will miss the remainder of the 2012 following surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg. His recovery is expected to take six months.

Faus experienced the Achilles tendon injury last Sunday just prior to the third overtime period against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a game the Pioneers lost, 10-9. Troy Orzech replaced Faus for that final period and allowed the game-winning goal.

On Tuesday, freshman Ryan LaPlante started against Cornell and took the loss. He allowed the game-tying goal with just six seconds left in regulation and then the game-winner a little over a minute into overtime.

Faus had an outstanding freshman season in 2011 with an 8.55 GAA and a 55.7 save percentage. He followed that this season with an 8.17 GAA and a 52.4 save percentage.

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Denver Pioneers Lacrosse Falls To Cornell In Overtime, 9-8

The Denver Pioneers lost a second straight overtime game, falling to the No. 3/4 Cornell Big Red in overtime, 9-8. The game was played on neutral territory at Hofstra University, the site of Denver's 14-9 victory over the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays during the quarterfinals of the 2011 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament.

This was a hard-fought defensive struggle for the two teams. The first goal of the game didn't come until there was 8:33 left in the first quarter. Roy Lang had the Big Red in the lead until Cameron Flint scored his ninth goal of the season with two minutes left in the quarter. Cornell then jumped out to a 3-1 lead a little over five minutes into the second quarter. Mark Matthews, though, netted a goal with six minutes left in the half.

Matthews struck again to start the scoring in the second half and completed the hat trick to tie the game at four late in the third quarter. Tied at five at the start of the fourth quarter, Cornell put up two goals early on to Denver's one, but Chase Carraro and Jeremy Noble tied the game at seven and then put the Pioneers in the 8-7 lead with just 2:58 left in the game.

Then with six seconds left in the game, this is where the Pioneers could have used Jamie Faus in the net. However, the sophomore goaltender was injured in the 10-9 overtime loss to Notre Dame on Sunday. Steve Mock, with the help of Chris Langton, put one past Ryan LaPlante to tie the game with just six ticks of the clock left. Then, just 1:05 into the four-minute overtime period, Mock fed the ball to Langton for the game-winning goal.

Matthews led the Pioneers with three points, his 24th career hat trick.

Denver returns home to Colorado for a Saturday contest against the Air Force Falcons in an ECAC contest. The Pioneers will have three games at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium after that.

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Denver Vs. Notre Dame: Pioneers Battle Back, Only To Lose In Overtime, 10-9

The Denver Pioneers had their four-game winning streak snapped with a 10-9 loss on Sunday afternoon. But it wasn't an ordinary loss, as it took nearly three full overtime periods for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to secure the victory.

Notre Dame's defense stifled the Pioneer early on with its top-ranked unit, entering halftime with a 7-4 lead. Sophomore goaltender Jamie Faus allowed five of the seven goals in the second period, including three in the first four minutes of play. But Mark Matthews and Alex Demopoulos were able to net three goals to keep the game within striking distance.

And strike back the Pioneers did with five goals and a stout defense that allowed just two. Cameron Flint, Jeremy Noble (twice), freshman Wes Berg and Matthews powered the offense, scoring four straight goals at one point. However, neither team was able to do much in overtime. Faus made an amazing save in the final seconds of the second overtime period, sending it to a third session.

With 2:35 left in third session, Sean Rogers scored his second goal of the game to win the game. Troy Orzech was in net for the loss.

Mark Matthews led the Pioneers with two goals and five points while Alex Demopoulos and Jeremy Noble finished the game with three points each. Jamie Faus made 11 saves and allowed nine goals.

Denver is on the road for one more game, but they will play the Cornell Big Red at a neutral location, Hofstra University, on Tuesday.

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NCAA Lacrosse, Denver Vs. Notre Dame: Pioneers Face Fighting Irish In Another Road Test

The Denver Pioneers are set to take on Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana today in a nationally televised match-up between two top ten programs. The ball drops on this one at 11:00 a.m. MT and will be available on ESPNU and ESPN3.

The No. 10/10 Pioneers have won four straight games after an opening day loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. They got their first win in a four game road trip with last Saturday's 14-6 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Pioneers put up seven second quarter goals and were led by senior attacker Mark Matthews' four goals and five assists, and Eric Law and Alex Demopoulos with four points each.

No. 7/8 Notre Dame has started the season 3-1, with the only loss coming in a 4-3 overtime defeat to Penn State at home. The Irish are known for their tough defense, holding each of their four opponents this year under five goals. DU, on the other hand, hasn't been held under nine goals this year.

Last year, the No. 14/17 Pioneers lost a 10-9 thriller in Denver to the No. 3/3 Fighting Irish.

Denver has a quick turnaround after this one with a Tuesday game at Cornell before returning back to Colorado to take on Air Force in Colorado Springs next Saturday.

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Denver Pioneers Defeat Penn State Nittany Lions, 14-6

The Denver Pioneers improved to 4-1 on the lacrosse season following its 14-6 victory on Saturday afternoon. A seven-goal second quarter fueled the Pioneers to a 10-goal first half, and a late run such as the one the Hartford Hawks had one week earlier did not happen this time around.

Senior attacker Mark Matthews led the offense with four goals and five assists, but Eric Law and Alex Demopoulos were right behind him with four points each (Law spitting those points evenly, Demopoulos picking up three points). Freshman Wes Berg continued his strong rookie season with two goals and three assists.

Cameron Flint, Jeremy Noble and Chase Carraro each contributed a goal as well, but Carraro's biggest impact came on winning 12-of-21 faceoffs. Goalie Jamie Faus played all but three minutes of the game and made 12 saves on 33 shots.

The Lions did score half of their six goals in the fourth quarter, but it was far too little to amount to anything.

Matthews and Law are now tied for the Pioneers lead in goals with 15 each, but Matthews' seven assists provide him with a four-point lead over Law in points, 22-18.

The Pioneers will likely move ahead of the Nittany Lions in the polls this week with this victory over a top 10 team, but, as we saw earlier in the season, Denver can fall in the polls even with winning. Yet, this is a win against a ranked team, making it weightier for the voters.

Denver is back in action next Sunday with a game against Notre Dame, which will be televised on ESPNU.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

College Lacrosse, Denver Vs. Penn State: Pioneers On Road To Face Nittany Lions

The No. 11/13 Denver Pioneers are on the road to face the No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions in a Saturday lacrosse contest. This will be considered the team's first true road game of the year since they played at a neutral site in Jacksonville, Fla., to start the season, a loss to the Ohio St. Buckeyes. This also marks a stretch of four games away from Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium in Denver.

The Pioneers survived the Hartford Hawks last week, 11-10, after holding off a late surge in the final minutes of the game. Mark Matthews will look to continue his strong start to the season, which includes 11 goals and 17 points. He has a three point advantage over Eric Law (13 G, 1 A) and Alex Demopoulos (6 G, 8 A). Chase Carraro continues to provide strong help at face-offs, winning 67.5 percent of them. Goalie Jamie Faus is looking to improve on his 9.25 goals against average.

The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, also enter this contest with a 3-1 record, only a season-opening loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels to blot the record. Matthew Mackrides leads the Lions with eight goals, but Jack Forster has a team high 12 points with five goals and seven assists. The Lions are allowing just 6.89 goals per game this season, but the Pioneers have just the offense to spoil that good number.

Game time/date: 11:00 a.m. MT, Saturday, March 10, 2012

Location:University Park, Pa.

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Denver Pioneers Lacrosse Hangs On For 11-10 Victory Over Hartford Hawks

The Denver Pioneers lacrosse team moved to 3-1 on Saturday afternoon by defeating the Hartford Hawks, 11-10, at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, The Hawks are now 0-3 for the season.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 3-1 lead at the end of the first quarter with goals coming from Mark Matthews, Patrick Rogers and Jeremy Noble. Matthews and Noble each picked up an assist on the others' goal. That eventually turned into a 5-3 lead at the end of the first half, as Jared Franze's first goal of the season came with just six second left on the clock.

The Pioneers unleashed five goals in the third quarter and allowed just two to Hartford. Mark Matthews netted two more in that frame to reach 11 for the season. The lead moved to 11-5 just over a minute into the final quarter, but Hartford answered back with two goals over the next several minutes. With two minutes remaining on the clock, Hartford made a last, desperate attempt to finish the comeback, but the team managed three goals over the next 76 seconds. The final 44 seconds failed to see any goals scored.

Pioneers sophomore goaltender Jamie Faus allowed all 10 goals and made six saves on 34 shots. However, Denver won the ground ball battle, 36-25, and the face-off contests, 15-9.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

Hartford Vs. Denver: Pioneers Lacrosse Looks For 3rd Win Of Season

The Denver Pioneers (2-1) have Saturday's home game against the Hartford Hawks as their final tuneup before they start a four-game road trip next weekend. The Pioneers are ranked No. 12/14 after winning both games last week during the DU Face-Off Classic, defeating the Michigan Wolverines and the Robert Morris Colonials.

Hartford was favored to win the America East in the preseason, but they have gotten off to an 0-2 start following losses to the Maryland Terrapins (12-6) and the Holy Cross Crusaders (15-14 OT). Kevin O'Shea, Aidan Genik and Carter Bender are tied for the team-lead with six points, though O'Shea has a team-high five goals. Scott Bennett has started both games, allowed all 27 goals and put up a .460 save percentage.

Denver, meanwhile, is looking to keep up its offensive attack from last weekend when it scored 38 goals over two games. As expected, Mark Matthews is the team leader in points with 13, but Eric Law has a team-high 11 goals as part of his 12 points. Alex Demopoulos is also off to a great start with six assists and 11 points.

Coach Bill Tierney, who won game No. 300 last weekend, has started Jamie Faus in two games, but has also given a start to Troy Orzech. Erik Carter has seen 6:36 in net, as well.

This game starts at 1:00 p.m. MT on Saturday before being rebroadcast on Comcast CET channel 105 several times over the coming week.

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Michigan Vs. Denver Final Score: Pioneers Lacrosse Defeats Wolverines, 17-5, In Home Opener

The Denver Pioneers won its first game of the season by defeating the Michigan Wolverines, 17-5, at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers started off the season last week with a 10-9 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Southwest Grill Classic in Jacksonville, Fla. before having its home opener this weekend as part of the DU Face-Off Classic.

Denver was quite the favorite to win this game since the Wolverines are in their first season as a Division I lacrosse program, moving up from a successful club-level squad. The 12-goal differential, them, is not surprising.

Eric Law was the start of the game for the Pioneers, recording four goals and one assists. He had the hat trick completed near the start of the second quarter. Mark Matthews and Alex Demopoulos each scored a hat trick as well. Cameron Flint, Jeremy Noble and Kyle Hercher each put in a goal, too. Four bench players added a goal, including rookie attackers Eric Adamson Sean Cannizarro.

Current ECAC rookie of the week Wes Berg had an assist. Senior goalkeeper Troy Orzech drew the start, allowed all five goals and made two saves. Erik Carter played four minutes in relief of Orzech, Michigan was able to muster just 13 shots against the goalies, but the Pioneers were all over Dylan Westerhold for 43 shots.

No Michigan starter recorded a goal. Doug Bryant scored twice.

The Pioneers will be back on the field on Sunday to host Robert Morris, which beat Air Force, 17-14, to start the Classic.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver. For more on college lacrosse head over to College Crosse.

Michigan Vs. Denver: Pioneers Host DU Face-Off Classic

The No. 11 ranked Denver Pioneers look to rebound from a heart breaking 10-9 season-opening loss to the Ohio St. Buckeyes in the Moe's Southwest Grill Classic when they take on the Michigan Wolverines today at 1:30. Today's game is part of the DU Face-Off Classic, a 4-team round robin that includes Denver, Michigan, Robert Morris and Air Force and takes place at Denver's Peter Barton Stadium.

The Pioneers loss last Sunday to OSU was their first loss suffered in ECAC play with Tierney at the helm and the first loss to an unranked team since losing to Jacksonville in 2010. Denver entered the fourth quarter tied at eight with the Buckeyes, but Ohio State took the lead on goals from Dominique Alexander and Logan Schuss, who scored his 5th goal of the game. DU was able to score one final goal to bring the game to within one, but was unable to net the equalizer.

Michigan comes into their first game of the Face-Off Classic with a 0-2 record in their first season of D-I lacrosse. They made the leap from club play this season after winning three straight nation titles at that level from 2008-10.

Doug Bryant, Thomas Paras and Alex Vasileff lead the Wolverines with five points each, with Will Meter and David McCormack right behind with four points a piece. Goalkeeper Dylan Westerhold has a 13.84 goals against average and a .366 save percentage.

Pioneers head coach Bill Tierney will again try and reach win No. 300.

Game time/date: 1:30 p.m. MT, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012

Location: Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver, Colorado

TV: Not televised

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Denver Vs. Ohio State Final Score: Buckeyes Upset Pioneers, 10-9

Denver Pioneers head coach Bill Tierney must wait until another day to pick up win No. 300. On Sunday afternoon, his team fell to the unranked Ohio St. Buckeyes, 10-9. It was the first loss the team suffered in ECAC play with Tierney at the helm and the first loss to an unranked team since losing to Jacksonville in 2010.

The Pioneers entered the final quarter of play tied at eight with the Buckeyes, but it didn't take long for Ohio State to take the lead. Dominique Alexander and Logan Schuss, who scored his 5th goal of the game, put the Buckeyes into a 10-8 lead.

Alex Demopoulos brought the score to 10-9 on a shot he took while falling to the ground. The Pioneers had a chance at the end for a final attack on the net, only to see a pass sail high and out of bounds.

The Pioneers will host the DU Face-Off Classic next weekend, welcoming Air Force, Michigan and Robert Morris to Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. Denver plays Michigan on Saturday and Robert Morris on Sunday.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver.

Denver Vs. Ohio State Score Update: Buckeyes, Pioneers Head To Final Quarter In 8-8 Tie

The Denver Pioneers and the Ohio St. Buckeyes are putting on an exciting show at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. With one quarter left to play, the teams are tied at eight.

Ohio State entered the period down, 5-3, but Logan Schuss completed the hat trick to draw the Buckeyes to within one. Jesse King tied it a few minutes later. Denver answered right back with Mark Matthews' second goal of the game, but Schuss retorted with his fourth goal of the season.

Wes Berg and Eric Law had two quick goals to put the Pioneers in an 8-6 lead, only to see Brock Sorensen take advantage of a Jamie Faus pass for a goal. Tyler Frederick tied it at eight right before the whistle blew.

The Pioneers had nine turnovers through the first three quarters.

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Ohio State Vs. Denver Halftime Score: Pioneers Take Late 5-3 Lead Over Buckeyes

The Denver Pioneers enter halftime against the Ohio St. Buckeyes with a 5-3 lead, but it took a couple of late goal for that to happen. With just 61 seconds left on the clock, Cameron Flint scored his first goal of the game; Eric Law made it a two-goal lead with just five seconds left on the clock.

Denver held a 3-2 lead entering the second quarter as a result of goals by Jeremy Noble, Wes Berg and Mark Matthews in the first quarter. However, the offense stagnated for most of the second quarter, unable to reach the aggressive level expected of them.

Ohio State's Logan Schuss tied the game at three during the second quarter, netting his second goal of the game. Dominique Alexander had the other goal for the Buckeyes.

Denver committed six turnovers in the first half and split the faceoffs with Ohio State, 5-5.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver.

Denver Vs. Ohio State Score: Pioneers Lead, 3-2, After 1st Quarter

The Denver Pioneers are off to a successful start against the Ohio St. Buckeyes after the first quarter of play, holding a 3-2 lead. The Pioneers are in Jacksonville playing in the 2012 Moe's Southwest Grill Classic.

The Buckeyes struck first, but the Pioneers then scored three straight goals. Jeremy Noble was the first to score while freshman Wes Berg had the second goal. Mark Matthews, who assisted on Berg's goal, rocketed one into the top left corner of Ohio State's net for the 3-1 lead.

Ohio State answered late in the quarter, but the Pioneers were able to prevent any more damage during the final ticks of the clock. Goalie Jamie Faus came up with several nice saves, including a bang-bang pass-shot-combo.

Denver's defense, the untested part of the team, has proven effective early on.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver.

Denver Vs. Ohio State: Pioneers Lacrosse Begins 2012 Season Against Buckeyes

The No. 5 Denver Pioneers' 2012 lacrosse season begins on Sunday afternoon against the Ohio St. Buckeyes in the Moe's Southwest Grill Classic. Thus the Pioneers' journey to return to the Final Four of the 2011 NCAA Lacrosse Tournament, falling to Virginia during the 2011 semifinals, starts anew.

The Buckeyes are already 2-0 with wins over Detroit and Mercer. Logan Schuss is already off to a great start for Ohio State, scoring five goals and totaling 10 points. Brock Sorensen leads the team with six goals. Greg Dutton has started both games for the Buckeyes and has allowed eight goals on 20 shots. Scott Spencer has played the other 30 minutes and has seen six goals reach the back of the net.

Denver, meanwhile, returns with a solid offense that is led by seniors Mark Matthews and Alex Demopoulos. Matthews led the team with 46 goals and 70 points last season; Demopoulos wasn't that far behind with 30 goals and 58 points.

The midfield of Cam Flint and Jeremy Noble will help backup the offense and provide support for the defense while Chase Carraro returns as one of the top face-off guys in the country. He won 58.2 percent of his face-offs in 2011.

In net, Jamie Faus returns as a sophomore following a freshman season in which he has an 8.55 GAA and a .560 save percentage. He will have a new defense in front of him with Kyle Hercher and Drew Babb there. Carson Cannon and Mike Riis are also expected to receive plenty of playing time.

With a victory, Pioneers head coach Bill Tierney will reach win No. 300.

Game time/date: 12:00 p.m. MT, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012

Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.

TV: NBC Sports Network

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2012 Tewaaraton Trophy Watch List Includes Denver Pioneers' Mark Matthews

The Denver Pioneers could see its first Tewaaraton Trophy award winner (top NCAA Lacrosse player) in 2012 if Mark Matthews has anything to say about things. He is the Pioneers' lone representative on the 2012 Tewaaraton Trophy Watch List, which includes 63 other persons of interest this season.

Matthews scored 46 goals and totaled 70 points as a junior in 2011, a season in which the Pioneers made the Final Four of the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. He and the Pioneers lost to the 2011 Tewaaraton Trophy winner, Steele Stanwick, and his NCAA champion Virginia Cavaliers in the semifinals. Stanwick returns for his senior season to defend the trophy he won after scoring 32 goals and picking up 70 points.

The list will see additions during the season before it is cut to 25 nominees in late April. Five players will be announced as finalists in mid-May.

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Denver Pioneers Lacrosse Dominates ECAC Coaches Preseason Awards, Polls

The Denver Pioneers will look to win the ECAC Lacrosse Conference for a third year in a row when they begin the 2012 season on Feb. 19. The team won the regular season title in 2010, its first year in the league, and then took the regular season title and the conference tournament in 2012. The team made it all the way to the Final Four before a loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the semifinals.

The ECAC coaches believe the Pioneers, who went 15-3 (6-0 ECAC), will defend their title successfully this season. They received seven of eight-first place votes to finish as the No. 1 team in the preseason poll.

The Pioneers dominated the preseason awards. Attacker Mark Matthews, midfielder Cam Flint and Chase Carraro and goalkeeper Jamie Faus made the All-ECAC Preseason Team. Carraro also made it as the specialist, as he is one of the top faceoff guys in the nation.

Matthews was selected as the preseason offensive player of the year; Faus the preseason defensive player of the year; Wes Berg, a freshman attacker, as preseason rookie of the year; and Carraro as the preseason specialist of the year.

The Pioneers start the season this Sunday against Ohio State. The game will be nationally televised on NBC Sports Network at 12:00 p.m. MT.

For more updates on the Denver Pioneers lacrosse team keep it tuned into SB Nation Denver.

Denver Pioneers Lacrosse Ready To Build On 2011's Success

The Denver Pioneers lacrosse team is out to make good on the promise of success it began in 2011. The team reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament last season.