The Colorado Buffaloes (1-3) faced off against the No. 5-ranked Michigan Wolverines (4-1) in a nail-biting match on Saturday at Kittredge Field. The Buffs put up a strong fight but ultimately came up short 12-7, suffering their fourth loss of the season.
Determined from the start, the Buffs dominated the first quarter. Kendall Havil gave them an early lead, scoring with an assist by Lily Assini to put Colorado up 1-0.
The Wolverines quickly responded in the second quarter, tying the score. The Buffs’ defense stood strong, with goalkeeper Danielle Heintz making ten major saves throughout the game. Defenders Mack Hanlon, Mary Carson and Jordan Johnson also stepped up keeping Michigan’s offense at bay.
Efforts were high on offense, with back-to-back goals by attackers Teegan Ryan and Morgan Pence, the first assisted by Madeline Pisani and the other from an impressive free-position scenario. The Buffs ended the half in the lead, 3-2.
Neither team was ready to give up, with the Wolverines scoring an early goal in the third quarter, tying the score for the second time. Pence responded, scoring two more goals with help from Assini. The defense continued to work hard, even preventing a shot on an open goal at one point. Despite these efforts, the quarter ended 5-5, making it anyone's game.
In the final quarter, the Buffs’ energy levels wavered as the Wolverines took the lead early. Multiple green cards were given out, creating a disadvantage for the Buffs, losing key defenders Jess Peluso and Katie McLean for a full minute. This opened the door for Michigan to dominate, scoring seven goals throughout the quarter. Goals by Havil and Pisani could not close the gap, and the Buffs ultimately lost.
"We just [have] to do a better job making plays," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said postgame. "We have to find a way to make some more stops individually and, in some of these moments, find a way to compete better."
Despite an intimidating matchup against the nation’s No. 5 team, No. 24 Colorado held its own, giving Michigan a run for its money. Both teams took 33 shots and had only a two-point difference in draw controls. Through teamwork and resilience, the Buffaloes proved they could compete with the best.
On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. MT, the Buffs will go head-to-head with the Marquette Golden Eagles (4-2).
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