DU Pioneers make final push for national lacrosse championship

The University of Denver women's lacrosse team is enjoying a memorable season, but its most important chapter is yet to be completed.

Driving the news: The Pioneers on Friday play the top-ranked Northwestern Wildcats at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

• DU is in the middle of its first 20-plus win season in program history.

Why it matters: The game marks the team's debut Final Four berth and sets the stage for a potential shot at the program's first national championship.

Yes, but: Earning that shot will mean beating the Wildcats, who are among the most decorated in women's lacrosse, having won seven national championships.

• The game marks the sixth all-time meeting between the two programs, according to the university.
• The Wildcats are 5-0 against DU, including a game during the 2021 tournament.

Of note: No school outside the Eastern or Central time zones has ever won a national championship in Division 1 women's lacrosse.

How to watch: The DU-NU game starts at 1pm MT, and will be nationally televised on ESPNU. It will also be available on ESPN apps.

• The winner will face Boston College or Syracuse in the final.