Buffs To Host USC In Key MPSF Lacrosse Matchup

BOULDER — Colorado lacrosse coach Ann Elliott is ready for her team to take the next step.

Friday, the Buffs will have that opportunity when seventh-ranked and unbeaten Southern California pays a visit to Kittredge Field for a 2 p.m. MPSF matchup with 8-3 Colorado.

Thus far this season, the Buffs have faced three top-20 opponents — Notre Dame, Northwestern and Stanford — and each time they've come up short.

But they've also come a little closer each time, managing to close the gap or even momentarily take the lead after falling behind early.

The latest example came a week ago, when they dropped a 12-10 decision at 12th-ranked Stanford. The Buffs fell behind early, 5-1, then battled back to take a 6-5 lead. They again led by a goal, 7-6, before the Cardinal grabbed control down the stretch with three straight goals, a deficit the Buffs couldn't overcome.

Now comes their latest opportunity against a ranked team — and their first at home this year — when the 11-0 Women of Troy pay a weekend visit to Colorado for Friday's match with the Buffs and a Sunday game at Denver.

The key, Elliott said, will not be allowing USC to grab control early. The Buffs have to reverse the trend they've displayed thus far this year against ranked opponents, one of allowing the opponent to seize momentum early before Colorado battles back.

“Our ability to respond is something that at some point is going to help us compete and be successful at the top level,” Elliott said. “Our players have that work ethic and competitiveness about them. They continue to respond.

“But the part we have to work on is taking control from the beginning, taking control when we do get up by a goal and executing the opportunities we have. If we can put those two things together, we'll be where we want to be.”

The Buffs, 8-3 overall and 3-1 in MPSF play, are currently tied for third in the conference standings with UC-Davis — a team they handily defeated 14-3 on last week's swing through California.

A win over the Trojans (5-0 MPSF) would not only pull them to within a game of the conference leaders, but would also be one of those program-defining moments: in the three years of the program's history, the Buffs have yet to defeat a ranked opponent.

“It's a great opportunity for us,” Elliott said. “It's a chance for us to show what we've learned from each of these other games against top teams and show that we're ready for this challenge and ready to compete at a top level.”

It won't be easy. USC coach Lindsey Munday — a former teammate of Elliott at Northwestern — has guided the Trojans to their best start in program history. The Trojans lead the nation in both offense (16.64 goals per game) and defense (a stingy 4.55 goals per game). In 11 games, they've trailed for less than 13 minutes for the entire year, and only two teams — Oregon and Michigan — have held a lead on USC.

But Elliott firmly believes her players are prepared to meet the test.

“I think we're in a good place overall at this point of the season,” Elliott said. “We've had some tough losses against top teams, but I think we've learned from them — and that's what we want, to make sure we're challenging ourselves and make sure our kids are learning from each game. I think we're ready to be home and to compete in this last stretch of the conference. We just have to go out and do it consistently for 60 minutes.”

Elliott's team has displayed a balanced offense this season, with five players with at least 17 goals. Darby Kiernan leads the Buffs with 23 goals, followed by Cali Castagnola (20), Johnna Fusco (19), Carly Cox (18) and Sarah Lautman (17). As a team, the Buffs are 28th in the nation, averaging 12.09 goals per game.

Defensively, keeper Paige Soenksen, has been steady in the net with a 7.97 goals-against average and a .435 save percentage, and the Buffs are 20th in the nation in team defense, giving up 7.91 goals per game.

Friday's game is the first of a four-game homestand for the Buffs. They return to action Sunday at noon against San Diego State, then play host to St. Mary's and Cal next week.

Admission and parking for CU home games is free. Friday's game will also be aired live on the Pac-12 Networks.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu