Oregon midfielder Carly O’Connell (12) draws contact as she makes her way towards the goal during the first half. The Buffs beat the Ducks in the fourth overtime, winning on a goal from sophomore midfielder Sarah Lautman. (Michael Shaw/Emerald)
Another overtime, another victory.
The University of Colorado women’s lacrosse team beat the Oregon Ducks 10-9 Sunday in Eugene, Ore. The match went into sudden-death overtime after neither team managed to hold onto a lead throughout regulation and the first three overtime periods.
Colorado also notched overtime victories over USC and San Diego State this season and once again looked to sophomore midfielder Sarah Lautman for the game-winning goal. Lautman, who was responsible for both of Colorado’s previous overtime wins, tallied her second goal of the game with 0:37 left in the fourth overtime period to secure the victory for the Buffs.
“We were lucky enough to keep fighting,” Colorado head coach Ann Elliott said. “Sarah got another opportunity, and she was able to shoot low and put it in the back of the net for us.”
Freshman midfielder Johnna Fusco led Colorado in scoring with five goals. Fusco, who also had one assist, finished the season as the Buffs’ leader in points and goals scored.
“We had great ball movement, which gave her good opportunities.” Elliott said of Fusco’s performance. “She was able to capitalize on those and score goals, which was great for us.”
With the win, Colorado closes their inaugural regular season with a 10-6 overall record. The Buffs are also 6-3 in the MPSF conference. Two of Colorado’s conference losses this season came at the hands of ranked opponents, No. 14 Stanford and No. 17 Denver.
The Buffs now advance to the MPSF Tournament, which begins this week at Peter Barton Stadium at the University of Denver. According to Elliott, the Buffs have secured the No. 3 seed in the tournament and will play No. 6 seed San Diego State Thursday at 4 p.m.
Oregon midfielder Carly O’connell (12) celebrates after scoring the game-tying goal, sending the game into overtime. (Michael Shaw/Emerald)
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sam Routhier at Samuel.routhier@colorado.edu.
