Kennedy’s Five Goals Power Buffs Past No. 18 Denver

Wednesday, April 15

Denver, CO

6 p.m.

Colorado

10-3, 2-1

#18 Denver

11-3, 4-0

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Colorado	1	2	3	3	9
Denver	2	2	0	2	6

Kennedy’s Five Goals Power Buffs Past No. 18 Denver

April 15, 2026 | Lacrosse

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By: Herman Shelton, Associate Director/Athletic Communications

DENVER, COLO. – The No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes (10-3, 2-1 Big 12) shook off a slow start and erupted for six second-half goals to secure a 9-6 win over the No.18 Denver Pioneers (11-3, 4-0 Big East), Wednesday evening at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. Behind a five-goal performance from Rachel Kennedy, the Buffs closed strong to snap Denver's three-game winning streak and hand the Pioneers their first home loss of the season.

Colorado's surge came behind a balanced effort on both ends of the field, as the offense found its rhythm in the second half while the defense continued its season-long consistency, holding another opponent to single-digit scoring. The Buffs snapped Denver's three-game winning streak and handed the Pioneers their first home loss of the season.

"I think this was a great opportunity for us coming down here," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said. "Coming off our game against Cincinnati, we needed to challenge ourselves to lock in and really fight for every moment and every play on the field. I thought tonight they came out with a great mentality, came out to compete, really fought for each other, came up with second chances, and did a great job of staying in the game one play at a time.

Colorado's response reflected that mindset, as the Buffs stayed composed through early adversity before taking control in the final 30 minutes behind timely scoring and disciplined defensive play.

Scoring summary

1st Quarter
10:13 – DU – Caroline Keil (Caroline Bowers)
6:02 – DU – Karleigh Mutch (Kyra Obert)
5:25 – CU – Teagan Ryan (Rachel Kennedy)

2nd Quarter
13:49 – CU – Rachel Kennedy (Rowan Edson)
12:07 – CU – Rachel Kennedy (Averi Gardner)
8:07 – DU – Caroline Keil
1:33 – DU – Olivia Ripple (Caroline Keil)

3rd Quarter
9:53 – CU – Lily Assini (Jaimey Hill)
9:03 – CU – Rachel Kennedy (Lily Assini)
1:57 – CU – Rachel Kennedy (Jaimey Hill)

4th Quarter
13:20 – CU – Rachel Kennedy (Jaimey Hill)
11:16 – DU – Eva Thomsen-Marr (Ryan Dineen)
5:25 – CU – Rowan Edson (free position)
2:58 – DU – Eva Thomsen-Marr (Karleigh Mutch)
1:45 – CU – Maddie Shoup

Colorado stats
Rachel Kennedy led the Buffs with five goals, her first five goal performance of the season, bringing her to 23 goals on the year and 16 goals over the last four games. Maddison Shoup, Edson, and Ryan Assini each contributed a goal. Abrams led the Buffs with three assists. Sam Peluso had five draw controls, while Oh recorded five saves. Three Buffs recorded two caused turnovers each as Colorado held Denver to six goals.
How It Happened

Colorado found itself in an early hole as Denver dictated the tempo in the opening quarter. The Pioneers controlled possession and capitalized on scoring opportunities to build a lead, putting the Buffs on their heels.
The Buffaloes began to find their footing in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and generating better looks on the offensive end. While still trailing at the break, Colorado showed signs of a momentum shift heading into halftime.

That shift fully materialized in the second half.

Led by Kennedy, the Buffs offense came alive, producing six goals across the final two quarters. Colorado's defensive unit matched the surge, limiting Denver's opportunities and forcing key turnovers that led to transition chances.

Kennedy's scoring presence proved to be the difference, as she consistently found space and delivered in crucial moments. Her fifth goal of the game helped put the contest out of reach late in the fourth quarter.
Down the stretch, Colorado controlled possession and executed in key situations to close out the 9-6 victory.

Up Next
The Buffs will travel to Davis, Calif., to face UC Davis on Sunday, April 19. First draw is set for 1 p.m. MT. Fans can tune in on ESPN+.

Notes
Colorado moves to 5-8 all time against Denver, snapping a three-game losing streak…. Kennedy recorded her fourth hat trick of the season and her first five goal performance of the season. Kennedy has 23 goals on the season and has scored 16 goals over the last four games. The Buffs have now had back-to-back games with a give goal scorer following Maddison Shoup against Cincinnati on April 11. Peluson had five draw controls.

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at CUBuffs.com/WlaxTix

For more information on Colorado Lacrosse, please visit cubuffs.com/wlax. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffswlax on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook.

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