Buffs Down California On Senior Day

Sunday, April 14

Boulder, CO

3:00 PM

Colorado

8-6, 7-2Pac-12

California

6-10, 3-6Pac-12

California

Colorado

Senior Miranda Stinson

Photo by: Cliff Grassmick

April 14, 2019 | Lacrosse

Box Score Senior Day Introductions Miranda Stinson Postgame Interview Highlights

By: Linda Sprouse, Associate SID

BOULDER – The 22^nd-ranked University of Colorado lacrosse team recorded a 15-6 win against California on Sunday afternoon, sending off its seniors in style with a final win at Kittredge Field.

"I think our senior class has done a great job, as this hasn't been an easy year with lots of ups and downs in terms of our performance on the field," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said. "I think they are really resilient and keep fighting because they believe in themselves and this team. I think for them as a whole to have a great weekend even though we went successful on Friday, they had a great weekend as they played hard and they were making plays. We are excited about that and just have to keep on getting better."

Senior Miranda Stinson led the team with four goals. Four other seniors got on the board for the Buffs. Samantha Nemirov, added three goals and one assist, while Sophie Castillo earned two goals and one assist. Blair Sisk and Caroline Perry each added a goal. But it was sophomore Sadie Grozier who led the team in points; recording six with three goals and three assists.

The Buffs improved to 8-6 on the season, but more importantly, are 7-2 in Pac-12 play with one game left. Cal fell to 6-10 overall, 2-6 in the Pac-12.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Buffs got out to a quick start in the game. Stinson won the draw and passed to Nemirov, who then found the back of the net just 35 seconds into the contest. The Buffs would record four more goals from Stinson, Liz Phillips, Grozier and Nemirov again within the first seven minutes, putting the Buffs up 5-0.

The Bears scored two of the next three goals, which cut CU's lead to four (6-2). The Buffs kept the momentum on their side and tallied four more markers, including back-to-back goals from Grozier, to give them a 10-2 advantage with 4:55 left in the half.

Colorado was not done scoring in the frame as Nemirov recorded her third goal of the game (3:09), while Sisk earned her second goal of the season (00:23) to give the Buffs the 10-goal advantage and a running clock heading into halftime.

The Bears put an end to the running clock 1:10 into the second half as Kristin Swanson scored her first of the game.

Stinson found the back of the net for the fourth time in the game at 26:45, and at 25:15, Castillo recorded her second of the day, giving the Buffs a 14-3 lead.

But as they had done before, Cal fought back. The Bears recorded two consecutive goals at 22:51 and 21:07, bringing the score to 14-5.

There was no scoring for the following 10 minutes until Perry had a free-position attempt. She did not take it, but she ended up scoring a couple seconds after a feed from Castillo for her first goal of the season (15-5).

There would only be one more goal scored in the contest, with Cal earning its sixth of the day with 7:04 remaining in the game.

Julia Lisella ended up with four saves on the day, earning her seventh win of the season.

KEY STATISTICS: The Buffs out-shot Cal 34-21. The Bears also had 23 turnovers in the game, compared to just nine for Colorado. CU had 12 caused turnovers, while Cal had seven.

NOTABLE:

All seven seniors, Olivia Aschman, Sophie Castillo, Julia Lisella, Samantha Nemirov, Carolina Perry, Blair Sisk and Miranda Stinson, were honored before the game and all seven started.
Julia Lisella has one year of eligibility remaining and was recognized with her class. She will return next year.
Samantha Nemirov extended her school record point scoring-streak to 34 games
Miranda Stinson recorded her 50^th goal of the season. It is just the sixth time in CU history a Buff has reached that mark in a single season. Stinson also reached 50 goals last season, scoring 58.
The Buffs now lead the all-time series against the Bears, 6-2.

TEAM LEADERS:

Colorado

Points: 20

Goals: 15

Assists: 5

Draw Controls: 5

Ground Balls: 15

Saves: 4

California

Points: 10

Goals: 6

Assists: 4

Draw Controls: 17

Ground Balls: 10

Saves: 9

UP NEXT: Colorado will hit the road for its final regular season of the game against Oregon in Eugene, Ore. on April 19.

QUOTEABLE:
Head Coach Ann Elliott Whidden
On what was said during halftime after a physical first half
I think the goal for us is to play 60 minutes and make sure every play counts. That was the message after Friday and that's what we wanted to do today. I don't think we did a great job but at the same time we came out and competed and was able to get the win, it was a big win for us. We just got to keep moving forward and understand that every little thing counts.

On the difference between the first and second half play
I just think possessions in general obviously, and then making sure we are working together and trying to get the best opportunities. We didn't do a great job at that but at the same time, we were looking for certain things and trying to find it. At the end of the day, we have to do a better job at winning draw controls, to lose draws 17-5 and win a game 15-6 is great but not easy to do. So, we got to do a better job there at the draws and possessions.

On Miranda and Samantha's role on this team
I think our senior class has done a great job, as this hasn't been an easy year with lots of ups and downs in terms of our performance on the field. I think they are really resilient and keep fighting because they believe in themselves and this team. I think for them as a whole to have a great weekend even though we went successful on Friday, they had a great weekend as they played hard and they were making plays. We are excited about that and just have to keep on getting better.

On looking ahead to Oregon
I haven't really thought anything about Oregon. We have been focused on one thing at a time because each of these games have been so important. We will watch some film tonight and tomorrow and our staff will get prepared and we will be ready to go. At the end of the day, I think it's just about playing 60 minutes, doing a better on draws, doing a better job defensively and making every play count offensively.

Miranda Stinson, Senior Attacker
On importance on coming out strong after Friday's loss to Stanford in overtime
That was a really heartbreaking loss, so we wanted to come out today and fix the things that we didn't do so well in the Stanford game.

On taking pride in being offensive defenders (forcing 19 turnovers)
Oh definitely. It is our job to get the ball back when we mess up, it's just a hustle play.

On looking ahead to next weekend and then the Pac-12 tournament
Definitely, we are looking forward to Oregon before the tournament though.