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Buffs Forced to Regroup after Losing to #17 University of Florida
By: Cortney Kesselman, Public Relations, CU Lacrosse
Boulder, CO (March 10, 2009) - As the Colorado Buffs hosted the Florida Gators tonight on Kittredge field, the #10 ranked (CollegeLax.us) Buffs had a 3-0 record advantage going into the game. Even the weather, bitingly cold and windy, favored the team from Boulder over the Florida boys, accustomed to warm weather and sunshine. Despite the odds stacked against the visitors, it was the home team who simply could not keep up. 
 The Gators challenged the Buffs right from the start, taking control after the opening face-off. After only two and half minutes of play, the visitors earned the first point of the game; three minutes later, Darren Hulick (Heritage/Littleton, CO) evened the score. Despite Florida’s initial game control, Colorado seemed to have a renewed energy. However, it wasn’t long before the challengers turned up the heat and by the end of the first quarter, the home team lagged behind the Gators, who led 3-1.
 The second quarter meant a chance at redemption for the Buffs as the question on everyone’s mind became whether or not the Buffs would be able to pull off a win and continue their winning streak. After the Gators found the back of the net only twice during this quarter, the Buffs proved they were still in the game. By the close of the first half, the Buffs put two more in the goal, thanks to Darren Hulick and the second courtesy of Tyler Snyder (Arapahoe/Centenniel, CO) with the assist from Mike  Emerson (Park City/Park City, UT). Though Florida led 5-3 at the end of the first half, it was still anyone’s game.
However, things slowly turned downhill for the Buffs during the second half. They let six goals by them before Darren Hulick netted one last shot for CU, which the Gators answered with 55 seconds remaining by knocking one more back. With a final score of 12-4, the Buffs 8 point loss marks the first loss of the season for the team.
Florida’s ruthless defense combined with Colorado’s weak offensive strategy made scoring a struggle for the Buffs. CU played a lot of the game in front of the opposing goal with little to show for it. Florida’s defense played a very fierce game and never wavered. The Buffs had trouble taking advantage of shot opportunities, while their sporadic attempts to score made saves easy as they consistently placed shots right in the goalies stick.
At the other end of the field, the Buffs repeatedly gave up goal after goal, as they allowed the Gators to capitalize on any open shots. The Buffs defense was lacking; and their offense had trouble maintaining possession, allowing the Gators to capitalize on sloppy passes.
In the end, the Gators challenged the Buffs, and the home team simply did not answer the call. The Buffs have only played three games this season so far: Buffs fans should rest assured, as their two previous wins have definitely shown just how powerful a team they are. The Buffs have their work cut out for them now as they focus their efforts on making sure that they play to their abilities throughout the rest of the season.   Up next for the Buffaloes include two away games this upcoming weekend against #1 Michigan on Saturday, March 14 and Michigan State on Sunday, March 15. They play at home again on Thursday, April 9 against #11 Lindenwood at 7pm on Kittredge Field.
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