Season-Opener Declared No-Contest

BOULDER – Lightning was featured both on and off the field in Colorado's season-opener on Thursday at Prentup Field. The Buffaloes struck early in the first half, building a 3-0 lead over Colorado State before play was suspended in the 51st minute due to lightning.  

The game suffered a 129-minute lightning delay just five minutes into the second half. Both teams returned to the field 56 minutes into the delay but were pulled off before play resumed, due to additional lightning. Play was officially called off at 7:30. 

The game was declared a no-contest under rule 7.6.3 of the NCAA rule book.  

"Once a game has been started and suspended, it must be restarted not later than three hours after the originally scheduled start time unless mutually agreed upon before the start of the game by the teams or determined by the governing sports authority." 

The game will not be made up, despite efforts from the Colorado coaches and administration. CU will attempt to find an additional opponent for this season to fill its schedule. 

CU got the ball rolling just 2:41 into the game, getting the season's first goal from sophomore Shyra James. It was less than 13 minutes later that junior Jade Babcock-Chi gave CU a 2-0 advantage. Senior Shanade Hopcroft closed out the scoring in the 28th minute, helping shut down the Rams. 

Colorado totaled five shots in the 51 minutes, scoring on all three of its shots on goa. Both Dani Hansen and Bella Grust got time in net on Thursday. Hansen started the game and Grust came in in relief to start the second half. Neither keeper was forced to make a save.  

Colorado will be back in action on Sunday (noon), taking on Colorado College at the University of Denver.