DENVER – Butler lost their first conference road game of the season, falling 19-4 to third-ranked Denver on Wednesday. The Bulldogs leave Colorado with a 5-5 overall record and 1-1 record in conference play, while the Pioneers remain undefeated with a 12-0 overall record and 2-0 record in the Big East.
How it happened
Following two early goals by Denver, Butler responded to make the score 2-1 with a Leah Rubino goal off of a Campbell Connors assist. From there, Denver took control of the quarter by scoring six consecutive goals to take an 8-1 lead.
In the second quarter, Rubino scored her second goal of the day and Connors found the back of the net off a precise assist from Greer Bireley. Denver would still command the lead, however, scoring three goals in the quarter to go into halftime with an 11-3 lead.
The Pioneers' defense stiffened up in the third quarter, as Butler only attempted two shots and no goals in the quarter. Five more goals put them up 16-3 with one more quarter of play.
Bireley connected with Connors for the second time of the day to open scoring in the fourth quarter. Three more shots found the back of the net for Denver before the final buzzer sounded with the Pioneers taking the win.
Notable Stats
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Rubino and Connors scored all four of the Dawgs' goals, with two each.
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Greer Bireley ended the day with two points, both coming from assists.
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10 different players scored a goal for Denver.
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19 goals are the most by a Butler opponent since Feb. 12 against Youngstown State.
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Denver outshot Butler 37-14, with 30 of those shots on goal.
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The Bulldogs had 22 turnovers, 16 of them caused by the Pioneers.
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Caroline Smith started in goal and finished with nine saves. Aleigh Monroe took over in the second half and made two saves.
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Denver won the draw control battle by a small margin, 14-12.
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The Pioneers' 12 assists were the most by a Butler opponent this season.
Up Next
The Bulldogs face another conference rival on the road, as they take on Villanova on Saturday. Butler will be looking for their second Big East win in program history. Start time is scheduled for noon.
