Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
2-1
Notre Dame
4-0
Buffs Suffer First Loss Of The Season
February 26, 2016 | Lacrosse
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Colorado's lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season on Friday, falling 14-4 at No. 7/6 Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish improved to 4-0 on the season, while CU dropped to 2-1.
"We know from experience that it takes 60 minutes to win a game and we have a lot of respect for Notre Dame," said head coach Ann Elliott. "I think they can attack in so many different ways and they're explosive. While we were able to kind of hold them for 20 minutes, after that we weren't able to do what we needed to do to take advantage of some of those opportunities on our offensive end and take care of the ball. I think in the end, it wears on you and Notre Dame ended up capitalizing."
CU played Notre Dame evenly for the first 20 minutes of the game, but things fell apart in the final 10 minutes of the half as the Irish outshot CU 10-2 and the Buffaloes committed five turnovers during that time. Notre Dame scored the first goal of the game at 9:05 as Stephanie Toy scored on a rebound after Paige Soenksen saved the initial shot. The Irish added four goals in the final 5:08 to lead 5-0 at halftime.
Over the first 20 minutes of the game, Notre Dame held just a 6-5 advantage on shots and the Buffaloes actually possessed the ball more than the Irish. However, the Buffs came up empty on two early free position shots, leaving two scoring chances on the field.
"It just comes down to taking advantage of your opportunities," Elliott said. "For us, we know they are a good team. We knew that when we got opportunities, we were going to have to take advantage of them because they are explosive and they can score quick. That showed at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second half."
Notre Dame's momentum carried early into the second half as the Irish scored seven times in the first seven minutes to lead 12-0.
CU got back on track after that. Cali Castagnola netted the first goal at 13:10 on a free position shot.
Five minutes later, Carly Cox scored on a free position shot. At 6:20, Johnna Fusco scored to time Notre Dame's lead to 12-3.
The Irish added a pair of goals before Fusco scored the final goal of the game at 1:49.
Soenksen played a solid game in goal with 10 saves. It was the 20th 10-save performance of her career.
Marie Moore was outstanding in the midfield, collecting a season-high five ground balls and winning three draw controls. Sarah Brown had four draw controls to lead the team. Defensively, Kelsie Garrison led the way with three caused turnovers and added three ground balls.
For the game, the Irish outshot Colorado 32-13. The Buffaloes continued to defend free position shots well, holding Notre Dame to 1-of-6.
Cortney Fortunado, the nation's leader in points, led the Irish with three goals.
CU will be back in action on Sunday when it takes on Marquette on the road at 1 p.m. CT/12 p.m. MT.
