Contact CU Independent Sports Writer Olivia Butrymovich at olbu3713@colorado.edu.
The University of Colorado women’s lacrosse team has had a strong start to their season. After defeating in-state rivals, the Denver Pioneers, last week, the Buffs had a dominating showing against Fresno State this Sunday in California. The Buffs defeated the Bulldogs 18-4.
Colorado improves to 2-0 on the season, and is 2 -0 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Conference. The Buffs are currently receiving votes in the NCAA lacrosse poll just behind conference teams No. 18 USC and No. 17 Stanford.
The girls appear to be more confident than ever as the program’s third-ever season gets into full gear. After an important win over the Pioneers last week, Colorado looks prepared to excel this spring.
Colorado began the first half in excellent fashion, scoring eight goals in just over 10 minutes. The Buffs held the Bulldogs to just two goals during the first 30 minutes.
Sophomore attacker Darby Kiernan was the Buffs’ top scorer in the first half, with four goals. She went 4-of-4 in shots on goal. Her teammate, junior attacker Cali Catagnola, also had three goals for Colorado, and one assist in the first half. Colorado ended the half with a commanding 12-2 lead.
Fresno State’s offense picked up a little more momentum in the second half, but it was still not enough to outdo the Colorado defense. Junior goalie Paige Soensken only allowed two more goals during the second half for the Buffs. Soensken finished out the day with six saves, as well.
Freshman attacker Caroline Perry began her college lacrosse career with her first action in the regular season, and recorded two goals within a minute and a half of each other in her debut for Colorado.
The Buffs had 17 shots on goal in the first half, and continued to dominate on offense in the second, with 15 shots. CU’s defense allowed the Bulldogs only 18 total shots on goal during the entire game.
Colorado will be back on the road this week, as they travel to South Bend, Ind. to take on Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are currently No. 9 in the country, and will prove to be a daunting challenge for the Buffs. The game is Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m.
