CU Buffs conquer CSU Rams in Rocky Mountain Showdown
The Covid-19 pandemic prevented this matchup in 2020 and 2021, but on April 16 the CU Buffs lacrosse team finally hosted the Colorado State Rams. The bronze Ram and Buffalo trophy sat on the sidelines in front of hoards of fans at Kittredge Field, as they watched the Buffs blow past their rivals 12-6.
A fast-paced and physical game from the start, the Rams got on the board first with a quick goal minutes in. The Buffs answered swiftly when Jacob Roos opened CU’s account on a backdoor cut that found the freshman at the doorstep. Supported by CU’s electric fan base, freshman Drew McConaughy quickly hit the back of the net scoring one of his eventual two on the evening.
Carrying a 5-3 lead at the break, the Buffaloes found their rhythm againn in the third period by outscoring the Rams 4-1 to go up by four heading into the final frame. Senior Trevor Clark had a strong day in net, preventing CSU from ever getting a comeback started.
Finishing the game with eight different goal scorers and walking away with a 12-6 win, the Buffaloes look ahead to Friday. They travel to Salt Lake City to take on the University of Texas in the first round of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference Tournament.
“Obviously this was a big rivalry win but our sights are set on next weekend in Salt Lake City and ultimately making it to Nationals,” said McConoughay.
Having stepped into an expanded role due to lingering injuries on the team, McConaughey is one of multiple newcomers who have found ways to contribute this season. With 13 underclassmen having notched more than ten games played on the season, CU’s depth has helped the Buffs to four wins in their last six games.
“I think one of the reasons this team is so special is because we have contributors all over the field,” senior midfielder Colin Greene said. “When you watch one of our games, you’re not seeing one player produce the majority of the points like it has been in the past. We have a bunch of kids stepping up and contributing from each grade level. It’s great to see that we have that depth and we don’t have to count on one single player.”
A team that has seen eight different players amass double-digit points on the season, the Buffaloes hope their depth can help lead them to a bid to the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) National Championships. While the team’s leading point scorer, Greysen Mitchell’s status is up in the air due to a shoulder injury, Greene is confident the Buffs are ready to make a run.
“We’re not the same team that we were at the beginning of the season. I think a lot of people are sleeping on what this team is capable of doing the rest of the year,” Greene said.
