Buffs' Offensive Showcase: Colorado Dominates Towson with a 17-5 Victory
In a dazzling display of offensive prowess, No. 18 Colorado lit up Kittredge Field on Saturday, with nine different players finding the back of the net in their commanding 17-5 win over Towson.
Leading the charge for the Buffaloes was Teagan Ryan, who continued her stellar form by scoring six goals, becoming the first Buff to reach double digits this season. Rachel Kennedy chipped in with her second career hat trick, while freshmen Rowan Edson and Sophia Yeskulsky celebrated their first career goals.
Senior Lily Assini was instrumental, dishing out a season-high four assists and adding a goal. In total, 11 Buffs combined for an impressive 29 points.
"Focusing on the little details and staying composed was key for us," Assini shared post-game. "Our offensive unit executed well, and it showed on the scoreboard."
This 17-goal performance marked the Buffs' first time surpassing 10 goals this season, having previously scored 10 against Northwestern and eight versus Cornell.
"We have a versatile offense with different players stepping up," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden noted. "It's exciting to see them play to their strengths and maintain discipline."
Defensively, Colorado was solid, collecting 13 groundballs and forcing five turnovers. Molly Reed led with three groundballs, while Jess Peluso dominated with nine draw controls. Elena Oh contributed five saves, surpassing 100 career saves.
With the game in hand, Coach Whidden rotated the lineup in the fourth quarter, allowing 10 players their first action of the season, including Caity Brower in net and her sister, Addison Brower.
"This group works hard in practice and took advantage of their opportunities today," Whidden said. "It's exciting for the future of our program."
Colorado outperformed Towson in draw controls (17-6), caused turnovers (5-3), assists (12-3), and shots (40-18).
Hannah Lewis led Towson with two goals.
Game Recap
Ryan set the tone early, scoring within the first 40 seconds. Towson quickly responded with a goal from Katie Roszko, but the Buffs answered with goals from Kennedy, Maddie Shoup, and another from Ryan to end the first quarter 4-1.
The second quarter saw Kennedy and Ryan extend the lead before Towson's Lewis narrowed it to 6-3. Jaimey Hill then sparked a run of three unanswered goals for Colorado, with Ryan closing the half with two more goals, securing a 9-3 lead at halftime.
"Teagan is becoming a dynamic player," Whidden praised. "Her growth from last year is evident, and we're thrilled with her and the team's progress."
The Buffs dominated the first half with a 10-3 advantage in draw controls and 21 shots, 13 on target.
In the third quarter, Colorado's defense shut out Towson, allowing just three shots. The Buffs added five more goals, pushing the lead to 14-3.
Freshmen Edson and Yeskulsky scored their first career goals in the final quarter, extending the lead to 16-3. Phoebe Rogala capped the scoring with her first career goal on a free-position shot.
"It's incredible to see teammates score for the first time," Assini said. "As a senior, I know how special that moment is, and I'm thrilled for them."
Key Notes
- Colorado is now 1-0 against Towson.
- Ryan recorded her second hat trick of the season, seventh in her career.
- Kennedy's hat trick was her first this season, second in her career.
- Ryan's six goals were the most by a Buff since Madeline Pisani scored seven last year.
- CU dominated draw controls, 17-6.
- Towson led in groundballs, 15-13, with Reed leading CU with four.
- Assini extended her point streak to 19 games and has scored in 10 straight games.
- Assini moved to 11th all-time on CU's assist list with 36.
- Shoup has scored in 14 consecutive games.
- Peluso's nine draw controls matched her career high from last season.
Season and single-game tickets are available at CUBuffs.com/WlaxTix.