DENVER: As the sun began to set in the mile high city, the University of Colorado Buffaloes (12-2, 4-0 RMLC) took the field against the defending national champion Colorado State Rams (10-4, 2-2 RMLC). The two teams wouldn’t meet in Boulder or Fort Collins, but in Denver, with Sports Authority Field at Mile High hosting the showdown.
The Buffaloes struck first in the game with an early first quarter goal only 3:40 in to the quarter. Some tough defense by both squads kept the score to only 1-0 until the end of the first quarter.
With the second quarter of play under way, the Buffaloes came out strong and kept trying to work their potent offense against Colorado State’s stifling defense. Sure enough, CSU’s defense broke down first, and senior attackman Jack Cranston found himself open on the front of the crease to score the second goal of the game. Less than a minute later, Cranston found himself undefended on a fast break and scored again for the Buffaloes, taking a 3-0 lead. Colorado would add another goal before Colorado State would get their first of the game. After another Colorado goal, the game entered half time with the Buffaloes leading 5-1.
With the second quarter of play under way, the Buffaloes came out strong and kept trying to work their potent offense against Colorado State’s stifling defense. Sure enough, CSU’s defense broke down first, and senior attackman Jack Cranston found himself open on the front of the crease to score the second goal of the game. Less than a minute later, Cranston found himself undefended on a fast break and scored again for the Buffaloes, taking a 3-0 lead. Colorado would add another goal before Colorado State would get their first of the game. After another Colorado goal, the game entered half time with the Buffaloes leading 5-1.
Colorado State made some adjustments at half time and controlled the third quarter scoring two goals and shutting the Colorado offense down. Entering the fourth quarter, the Buffaloes led the Rams 5-3. Colorado answered CSU’s goals with two goals of their own, retaking a 7-4 lead. Colorado State then worked hard to get back to within one point after scoring two goals with only 5:30 left in the game. Suspense mounted in the fourth quarter as the Buffaloes led 7-6, until Colorado scored two goals within twenty seconds of each other. The clock would run out with no more points added to the scoreboard, and Colorado walking away as Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Showdown champions.
Colorado defeated the Rams 9-6 at Sports Authority Field, finish the season perfect in the RMLC .
The Buffaloes will now turn their attention to the RMLC playoffs in Grand Junction, Colorado. The conference tournament begins in two weeks followed by the MCLA national tournament later in May. Stay tuned to your Buffaloes on twitter @CUMensLacrosse or on Facebook.
Colorado defeated the Rams 9-6 at Sports Authority Field, finish the season perfect in the RMLC .
The Buffaloes will now turn their attention to the RMLC playoffs in Grand Junction, Colorado. The conference tournament begins in two weeks followed by the MCLA national tournament later in May. Stay tuned to your Buffaloes on twitter @CUMensLacrosse or on Facebook.
