PULLMAN, Wash. – Taylor Kornieck scored in the 89th minute to lift Colorado past Washington State in the Pac-12 Conference opener for both team Friday in front of 1,026 fans at Lower Soccer Field.
 
Possessing the ball at midfield, Colorado (7-3-0, 1-0-0) midfielder Sarah Kinzer took one touch and sent a ball to the top of the box where Kornieck gathered and sent a low shot to the far post past Cougar goalkeeper Ella Dederick for the game-winner. It marked Kornieck's team-leading sixth goal of the season.
 
On its ensuing possession, Kailiana Johnson dribbled through the Colorado defense before launching a shot that sailed just over the crossbar in the final minute, the last good look for the Cougars (5-3-1, 0-1-0).
 
The Cougars controlled play from the outset, forcing Colorado goalkeeper Jalen Tompkins to make three saves in the first 11 minutes. WSU freshman Morgan Weaver, who had a game-high seven shots, hit the post from close range in the 28th minute as the Cougars closed out a scoreless first half holding a commanding 11-2 edge in shots, forcing Thompkins into five saves.
 
The second half was much the same, though Colorado had chances of its own. In the first minute of the half the Cougars turned over the ball over and Danica Evans took a touch in the box before hitting the near post. Kornieck also hit the crossbar early in the half before the Cougar defense was able to collect itself.
 
WSU had plenty of chances as Kelsee Crenshaw hit the crossbar from distance and Weaver had quality looks late, but could not find the back of the net.
 
For the game the Cougars outshot Colorado 23-8, including a commanding 7-1 edge in shots on goal. WSU also posted an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
The Cougars return to Pac-12 play Thursday as they travel to No. 1 Stanford for a 7 p.m. match. The contest will be televised on Pac-12 Network.