Buffs Set for Clash with Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. – Colorado returns to Big Ten Country for the first time in 2018, making a quick stop in West Lafayette, Ind., for Sunday's matchup against Purdue (Noon MT, B1G+).

Colorado's (4-2-0) last trip to a Big Ten opponent was a successful 3-0 result at Michigan State. The Buffs hope to have the same success against a talented Boilermaker squad. CU is 0-2-0 all-time against Purdue, playing a home-and-home series in 2010 and 2011.

"We're excited for the opportunity to head to Purdue this weekend," head coach Danny Sanchez noted. "Purdue is having a great season. We know it's going to be a tremendous match. We're hoping to continue with our momentum from the last couple of games. We know defensively, Purdue will offer a lot more challenges. Offensively, we need to be creative."

That momentum is something that was on display in bunches against Cal State Fullerton. The Buffs had four different goal scores, including first-career tallies from senior Haileigh Adams and sophomore Rachel Rosen. Junior Allie Palangi and senior Shanade Hopcroft recorded the other scores. Colorado totaled 13 points in the contest, the most since posting 18 against Northern Colorado in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. 

"I think we have a lot of potential," Palangi commented. "I think we're a really good team. Everyone is showing their potential, even the freshmen. They have really stepped up. I'm just really excited for what we're going to do this season."

Purdue (4-1-2) enters Sunday on a two-game win streak, besting Kansas State and Saint Louis. The Boilermakers have allowed just five goals this season and lead the Big Ten with 4.57 saves per game. Offensively, Purdue is led by Sarah Griffith with 4.67 shots per game (17th NCAA). She's also second in the Big Ten with five goals this season (19th NCAA). 

Sunday's match starts a three-game road swing for the Buffs. CU will be in Denver on Sept. 19 and then open the Pac-12 season on Sept. 25 at California.