In the latest installment of the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the Buffs are once again on the losing end.
The University of Colorado club lacrosse team (2-5, 0-2 RMLC) lost to rival Colorado State 13-6 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver Saturday. CSU remains undefeated, and the Buffs have now lost four in a row, something the players describe as painful.
“It stinks to lose to CSU,” said Colorado senior defender Marty Taffet. “They’re our in-state rival, and they’re in conference. “
Colorado struggled defensively the entire night, allowing the Rams long shares of possession. CSU (11-0, 3-0 RMLC) opened the scoring 1:01 in the first quarter, and didn’t look back.
After the game, Colorado head coach Michael Ryder said his team struggled with their defense.
“Our stronghold for the whole season has pretty much been our defense, and they didn’t show up today,” Ryder said.
Despite their early struggles, there were signs of life from the Buffs in the offensive end. On the backs of their attackers, like freshman Doug Lilburne, Colorado created and converted a few chances.
Ryder said he was proud of his team resilience, despite getting into a hole early.
“The game plan fell away at first, but as long as the guys didn’t quit, they knew that they were playing hard, and we could eventually come back,” Ryder said. “It just didn’t work out for us.”
The team had more than just CSU to worry about this week.
Former head coach Pete Stevenson was fired, and Ryder had less than a week to rally his troops.
After the game, the players had only good things to say about the new coaching staff.
“We really like this new regime; we really buy in to what’s going on,” said junior midfielder Chris Dinardi. “It’s up to us to step up out on the field. “
Despite being on a four-game losing streak, the team is trying to stay optimistic about the near future, their coach said.
“We know we can turn it around in the next few weeks, and hopefully get some key wins,” Ryder said. “Bring the pride back is what we’re really trying to do.”
The Buffs will need to regroup from Saturday’s performance as they look ahead to their game against the Michigan Wolverines, who will be coming to Boulder on Friday.
If Colorado can get a win against Michigan, it will put them in a better position to make the MLCA tournament, which takes place at Dick Sporting Goods Park from May 11 to 15.
“If we just beat [Michigan] and then someone else, we get to go the national tournament,” Taffet said. “We’ll be back here playing again.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mark McNeillie at Mark.mcneillie@colorado.edu.
