Colorado’s women’s soccer is ending the Gonzaga University Tournament on a high note.
The Buffs picked up a 2-1 overtime win against Washington State (2-6) on Sunday after dropping 3 straight, leaving Colorado at an even 3-3.
Freshman midfielder Hayley Hughes scored Colorado’s first goal in the 41st minute. Hughes’ goal ties her with senior defender Kym Lowry for top scorer on the season.
Washington tied the game with freshman midfielder Micaela Castain a minute later. Castain’s shot deflected of the post and past Colorado sophomore goalkeeper Kayla Millar.
With the 1-1 score line at halftime, Buff’s head coach Bill Hempen changed goalkeepers, switching Millar for freshman Annie Brunner.
Hempen’s change paid dividends, as Brunner made four saves in the second half, keeping the score line at 1-1, and taking her team to overtime.
Just as overtime began, Colorado took the lead thanks to junior midfielder Kate Russell’s corner kick. Russell’s kick deflected in the box, and found junior midfielder Kassidy Fitzpartick, who fired the ball into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
Colorado returns home for the Omni Hotels Colorado Soccer Classic, where they will host Denver, UCLA, and Purdue. The Buffs will take on Purdue Friday at 4 p.m. at Prentup Field, and close the tournament against UCLA Sunday.
Contact CU Independent Soccer Reporter Mark McNeillie at Mark.mcneillie@colorado.edu.
