NCAA Women's Lacrosse Preview: A New-Look Offense for No. 16 Denver

USA Lacrosse Magazine is beginning its countdown to the 2025 women's lacrosse season by releasing one team preview per day beginning on Monday, Jan. 13.

We continue the countdown with No. 16 Denver, a team not far removed from a run to the NCAA semifinals in 2023.

Denver is reloading for 2025.

Seven of the 11 who graduated were starters that helped the Pioneers capture their fifth straight Big East title in a 13-game winning streak that ended with a loss to Northwestern in the NCAA tournament’s second round.

“We have a couple back, but it definitely feels like we kind of cleaned out the pantry,” head coach Liza Kelly.

Denver has a new offensive coordinator in Taylor VanThof and will have new contributors from end to end. Lauren Black and Ryan Dineen will spark the attack, Caroline Colimore highlights the midfield and Megan Klingenberg returns on defense along with goalie Emelia Bohi.

The offense that ranked 33rd in scoring — the Pios defense was 15th — will be adjusting to a new look after graduating its top two scorers and changing its scheme under VanThof. Of course, they must figure out who will win the ball after losing 78 percent of their draw controls, too.

“Taylor is really looking for an offense that is free flowing, very creative, and both pushes the fast break and the slow break,” Kelly said. “Then also has a lot of different people scoring and assisting, so it’s not going to be necessarily a focus on maybe two or three players.”

TOP RETURNERS

Lauren Black, A, Sr. (38G, 38DC)
Caroline Colimore, M, Sr. (36PTS, 12 CT)
Emelia Bohi, G, Sr. (9.13GAA, .415 SV%)

The Pios are hoping that their top returners can step in to take the lead in the early going. Strong play from this trio could alleviate some anxiety for Denver’s new starters.

“It’s really important for the kids that have gotten quality minutes and have been on all-conference or all-tournament teams that they really step up and that their play gives other people chances to make mistakes,” Kelly said.

Black will help on the draw and the attack, while two-way middie Colimore will be featured prominently. Bohi is an established veteran with 64 career starts and championship experience.

KEY ADDITIONS

Maddie Montgomery, M, Gr. (84G, 48CT at William Smith)
Megan Morneau, D, Fr. (112PTS, 42DC)
Maggie Myers, M, Fr. (11G, 9GB)

Montgomery, a two-time IWLCA Midfielder of the Year from William Smith, brings big-game experience after playing in the Division III final four the past two years. Denver is sorting out just which end she’ll help the most.

“We’ve been lucky with her and Jane Earley having awesome experiences playing for very talented D-III teams and being able to step in,” Kelly said. “I think Maddie is someone that will be able to help us on both ends.”

Myers could also help at both ends of the field as a true two-way middie, while Morneau could contribute immediately on defense.

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Graduations: Jane Earley, A; Julia Gilbert, A; Abby Jenkins, M; Bryn McCaughey, D; Trinity McPherson, D; Anna Palmisano, D; Olivia Penoyer, A; Sam Thacker, D

X-FACTOR

Ryan Dineen A, Jr. (24G, 32A)

Dineen finished last year with a season-high seven points in the Pios’ NCAA opener against Stanford. The lefty has put up 57 and 56 points in her first two seasons, is an accurate shooter and passer, and this year, she’ll quarterback the new offense that graduated Olivia Penoyer and her 56 assists. After two solid seasons, she’s ready to assume an elevated role.

“I think that Ryan’s somebody that when she plays well, I think the rest of them will follow suit,” Kelly said.

THE NARRATIVE

The fall was important for retooling the Pioneers. Challenging fall ball games raised as many questions as they answered. Now preseason comes with positions still up for grabs and a concerted effort to maximize their talent.

“We’re just pumped to get into it with everybody there,” Kelly said. “Everybody kind of plugging along at the same pace.”

It might take a few weeks of the season to sort out their new roles and schemes. Kelly doesn’t think they’re alone.

“I keep talking to a lot of my coaching friends and everybody talks about how young they are, and I think the question is, ‘Who can get their youth ready first?’” she said. “We’re up for it.”

The Pioneers have created a culture with high expectations. They are only two years removed from a trip to the final four. They’ve won 56 games over the past three years, a mark that puts them among the nation’s top tier. Keeping that standard in 2025 will come with a new cast.

“We’re looking across the board that this is a new year and it’s an opportunity for people that maybe haven’t gotten a lot more time to kind of step up and take it,” Kelly said.