Kate Russell, the freshman from Silver Creek High School who scored Colorado's goal in a 1-1 tie against No. 20 Florida on Friday, blasted a shot off the cross bar 20 seconds into Sunday's match at Prentup Field.

That was about as close as CU would get to the back of the net, however.

University of Denver goalkeeper Mackenzie Snyder took care of the nine shots CU sent her way, including three quality scoring chances for Nikki Marshall, to lead the Pioneers to a 1-0 victory.

"It comes down to finishing. We didn't finish and that's the key to this game," Marshall said. "It's not one mistake on the defense. There was a goal and we had 60 minutes after that to finish and we didn't. We had so many opportunities, including myself. I've got to finish."The Buffs (0-1-1) allowed only one shot on goal against the Gators in their opener. Obviously, it went in.

This time the Pioneers (2-0-0) cashed in their first shot on goal for a 1-0 lead.

Mariah Johnston bent a free kick into the top left corner at 21:38 to deliver DU its first victory in the rivalry since 2001.

"I don't really think there was anything the goalkeeper could have done to save that one. It was a perfectly hit free kick," DU head coach Jeff Hooker said. "We've had some of those close games against CU that we've been disappointingly on the wrong end of. Early on, I thought they would definitely have the advantage playing at home and playing early in the season. They have some great athletes and they gave us a lot of trouble today, but we were able to hang on that last 10 minutes."

Kirstin Radlinski made saves on the Pioneers' other three shots, including a brilliant denial early in the second half to keep CU in the match, but her counterpart had all the answers during a late flurry by the home team.

"Their keeper started making some big saves and you could just sense her confidence and the confidence in her teammates," CU head coach Bill Hempen said. "We just have to gain some composure and gain some confidence. I hope this doesn't last very long."

Marshall split two defenders with the ball and had the crowd on its feet before Snyder turned her game-tying offering away with 17:05 remaining. Amber Bettenhausen had two scoring opportunities stopped by Snyder moments later.

And even when Marshall finally beat Snyder with 8:13 remaining, DU defender Lauren Fields was there to make a kick save.

"We haven't lost to them for a long time, so as a senior it makes me a little angry," said CU midfielder Alex Cousins, who was a part of the Buffs' Sweet 16 team that beat DU in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. "But they're a good team. It was physical and it's just what we needed to start conference play."

The Buffs will play an early Big 12 game at Texas Tech on Friday before hosting another non-conference game on Sunday against San Francisco.

The goal? Score some goals.

"Our defense is doing an amazing job," Marshall said. "Alex Cousins has stepped up back there and really picked it up for us, and Michelle Wenino has been solid back there forever. They're doing their job, and we're not doing ours."