Contact CU Independent Head Sports Editor Sam Routhier at samuel.routhier@colorado.edu and follow him on twitter @samrouthier.
As many Boulderites weathered a springtime snowstorm indoors on Saturday, the University of Colorado men’s club lacrosse team prepared for an encounter with in-state rival Colorado State on Kittredge Field. The Buffaloes, currently ranked No. 5 in the country in the MCLA coaches poll, won 14-11 over No. 6 Colorado State.
The cold weather was offset by a hot start for CU, which jumped out to 4-1 after one quarter. Colorado’s first two goals were courtesy of sophomore attackmen Ben Wharton and Carter Esqueda, who would continue to be active on the offensive end throughout the contest. Junior midfielders Jake Gonzalez and Hunter Molnar also found the back of the net for Colorado in the first period.
The Buffaloes continued their strong offensive effort in the second quarter, when Gonzalez, Esqueda and Molnar among the Buffs to score. By halftime, Colorado had a 10-4 advantage.
CSU fought back in the second half though, and outscored Colorado in both quarters of the second half. While the third quarter had only two Ram goals against one Buffalo strike, the fourth quarter saw CSU get as close as three goals, but run out of time as Colorado held on to secure the 14-11 win.
Both Colorado and Colorado State have earned postseason berths for the MCLA National Championship tournament, which begins May 9.
