When University of Denver women’s lacrosse players use the phrase “hot pink,” they’re not referring to an outfit theme for some weekend party or the color of their favorite shoes.
“Hot pink” is central to DU’s team identity. It’s the name of their defense — a zone scheme created and implemented by head coach Liza Kelly that is aggressive but liberating. And it fits the Pioneers like a glove.
It’s also one of the keys to the Pioneers’ success as the nation’s 12th-ranked team heading into this week’s Big East tournament hosted by DU. The top-seeded Pios play Connecticut in the opening round at 1 p.m. Thursday. Denver’s defense, which ranks sixth nationally in goals allowed and first in caused turnovers per game, was the driving force behind the latest title run, funneling Kelly’s own fiery nature and competitive drive onto the field.
Take freshman goalie Emelia Bohi, who only started playing lacrosse as a freshman in high school but whose goals-against average now ranks fourth in the nation. Lammers, a local prospect from Dakota Ridge, came to DU as an attacker but was converted to defense for her sophomore year.