MLAX falls to No. 9 Denver, 10-9

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University men's lacrosse team fell to No. 9 Denver, 10-9, in its season opener Saturday at Valley Fields.

The Golden Eagles scored the last three goals of the game and nearly managed a late comeback, but fell just short at the final buzzer.

Jacob Hallam got the scoring started in the matchup, but the Pioneers rattled off six straight goals to take an early 6-1 advantage. MU (0-1, 0-1 BIG EAST) found the net twice at the end of the second quarter and went into the halftime break trailing 6-3.

Marquette and Denver traded goals in the third quarter, each time beating the goalie three times. The Pios tallied the first goal of the final period, but a man-up goal from redshirt sophomore Holden Patterson brought the Golden Eagles within two.

An impressive goal from redshirt freshman Devon Cowan with under three seconds to play in the game gave Marquette life, but a long faceoff allowed the buzzer to expire.

Redshirt junior captain Griffin Fleming led the Golden Eagles with three goals and an assist. Cowan added two goals himself, while midfielder Anthony Orsini had a goal and assist for MU.

Sean Richard started the first game of his collegiate career and made eight saves. John Hulsman took over between the pipes at halftime and made seven saves with a 63.6% save percentage.

Redshirt sophomore face-off specialist Thomas Washington went 9-22 at the dot and picked up four ground balls. Hallam and defender Mason Woodward led MU with five ground balls, while also each causing two turnovers.

For Denver (3-2, 1-0 BIG EAST), Alex Simmons found the net four times in the first half to be the game's leading scorer. Jackson Morrill added two goals and an assist, while Ethan Walker contributed three assists. Netminder Jack Thompson had 10 saves on the day and allowed nine goals for the Pioneers.

Marquette will now prepare for another BIG EAST tilt against Villanova on Saturday Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. Central.

Keep up with the Marquette men's lacrosse program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteMLax) and Instagram (@MarquetteMLax) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteMLax).