The No. 16 Colorado women’s lacrosse team defeated UC Davis, 13-6, on April 19 at UC Davis Health Stadium, extending its winning streak to four games.
This victory brings Colorado’s record to 11-3 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12 Conference. The win is significant as each conference game becomes more important with the season approaching its final stretch.
“It was a big opportunity for us today, playing UC Davis,” head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said. “Every game for us matters. Every conference game is so important as we get down this stretch, and we’re hoping to extend our season into May. I’m proud of the team. I thought we came out and we fought a lot for second chances, ground balls. We did pretty well on the draw [control], controlling possession at times. I’m proud of the little things that we brought today, and a good win for this group.” Senior attacker Maddie Shoup and senior midfielder Lily Assini led Colorado with four goals each; both achieved hat tricks in the first half to help build an early lead. Junior attacker Teagan Ryan contributed two goals while Averi Gardner, Jaimey Hill, and Rachel Kennedy also scored.
Sophomore goalkeeper Elena Oh made five saves during the match, including two from free positions. The Buffaloes established an early advantage by leading 5-1 in the second quarter before UC Davis narrowed it to 5-3 late in the first half. However, Colorado responded quickly with four goals within just under four minutes spanning halftime and into the third quarter.
Whidden said: “I think we were working for good opportunities on the offensive end. Possession matters, and when we’re able to win the draw controls and be clean in transition, it gives us those extra possessions. When we’re able to execute down there and take good opportunities, a lot of good things happen, and I thought we were able to do that.” The Buffs outperformed UC Davis in draw controls (15-6), groundballs (17-11), and shots on goal (25-11).
Colorado will finish its regular season at home against Arizona State on Saturday where seniors will be honored during Senior Day.
