Buffs Set for Pac-12 Tournament
TEMPE, Ariz. – Colorado lacrosse is taking things one game at a time as they prepare it prepares to take on Oregon in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament on Wednesday.
The Buffaloes finished 5-5 in Pac-12 play (11-5 overall) enter the tournament as the No. 4 seed. Wednesday will be the first time CU has had to play on the first day of the tournament. CU is 3-3 all-time in the tournament and has advanced to the championship season all three seasons.
"We're in a position where we have one game left," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden stated. "That's all that we have guaranteed to us. We're focused on that. I think this team knows that. We got to go out there and give ourselves the best chance to continue our season."
Colorado and Oregon have matched up twice this season, which CU securing the victories on each occasion. The Buffaloes have had the offense rolling in both games, outscoring Oregon by a combined 36-23.
Sadie Grozier led CU in the last meeting with five goals and two assists. Colorado had 11 different goal scorers in the 23-12 win.
"I think a quick start is key for us," Elliott Whidden added. "I think we're good when we get off to a quick start. We'll try to get that quick start and build some momentum on defense. I think we've done a good job on draw controls in both those games. We want to dominate the possessions and give ourselves a few more opportunities than we give them and see where we end up."
The Buffs have a veteran group that has vast tournament experience. Grozier leads Colorado in all-time goals at the Pac-12 Tournament, totaling 15 in six games. Chloe Willard is the next leading scoring for the Buffs with five goals in four tournament games.
From top to bottom everyone on the roster knows what's at stake.
"I think everybody's on the same page," Elliott Whidden added. "Everybody knows that our backs are against the wall and we have to get it done. I think that message has been clear."
A win over Oregon would put the Buffs in line to take on top-seeded Stanford on Thursday.
Wednesday and Thursday's games are both set for 5:30 PM MT starts. All Pac-12 Tournament games will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.