The No. 14 Colorado lacrosse team aims to break an NCAA Tournament drought since 2019 with a semifinal match against Arizona State in the Big 12 Conference tournament. Following a decisive 19-5 victory over ASU in their regular-season finale, the Buffs seek to bolster their chances for a high NCAA seed. Coach Ann Elliott Whidden emphasizes the unpredictability of matchups, highlighting the need to prepare for each game independently. Currently, Colorado boasts the nation's best defense, allowing an average of 6.33 goals per game, as they strive for consistency against tough competitors.

By the Numbers
  • Colorado defense averages just 6.33 goals allowed per game.
  • Maddie Shoup leads the Buffs with 30 goals and 17 assists this season.
  • Colorado's recent victory over ASU marked a season-high 19 goals.
  • Buffs are currently ranked No. 10 in the RPI.
State of Play
  • Colorado enters the tournament on a five-game winning streak.
  • This matchup is a rematch from the regular season, where CU won decisively.
  • A loss is unlikely to eliminate CU from NCAA Tournament contention.
  • The Buffs face a probable title match against fourth-ranked Florida or UC Davis.
What's Next

The upcoming semifinal against ASU will determine Colorado's path to potentially securing a top-eight seed for the NCAA Tournament. A victory could lead to another matchup against a higher-ranked opponent, adding pressure to perform consistently. CU's defense must remain strong to continue their winning momentum and achieve postseason goals.

Bottom Line

Colorado's opportunity to end its NCAA Tournament drought hinges on their performance in the Big 12 tournament, making each game pivotal. With the right strategy and focus on consistency, the Buffs can leverage their strong defense and previous successes to advance to the NCAA tournament as a legitimate contender.