Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Towson
Buffs Leaning on Strong Defense and Balanced Attack Early on
February 19, 2026 | Lacrosse
Game 3 – Towson, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Kittredge Field, Boulder, Colo.
Start: Noon MT
Watch: ESPN+ CUBuffs.com/WatchLax
Live Stats: CUBuffs.com/WlaxStats
BOULDER – Just two games into the 2026 season, and an early pattern has begun to develop in Colorado's two victories.
The Buffaloes have been strong on defense, holding then-No. 2 Northwestern to nine goals and, most recently, Cornell to just five scores. Colorado's staunch play on the defensive end is good for 11th in the nation in scoring defense, backed largely by back-to-back Big 12 Defender and Goalkeeper of the Week honors from Jess Peluso and Elena Oh, respectively.
Last week, the Buffs turned the Big Red over 21 times, the most since forcing 22 turnovers to open the 2025 season against Stanford. CU has caused 11.50 turnovers per game early on this season, ranking 17th in the NCAA and second in the Big 12.
With Colorado's strong defensive play, the offense hasn't had to click at a high level, just yet. But the CU attack is ready to explode at any moment.
Maddie Shoup made headlines after the team's 10-9 win to open the season at Northwester, totaling five of CU's 10 goals. But through two games, it's largely been a team effort with six different players finding the net so far.
"For us to be successful, we're going to have to have seven people down there at any time that can contribute," head coach Ann Elliott Whidden expressed. "That's how our offense is built, whether we're playing against a man or a zone."
That versatility forces opposing defenses to pick their poison. Shut down one option, and another is ready. Overcommit to the crease, and the perimeter makes you pay. Play zone, and Colorado will patiently dissect it. Go man-to-man, and the Buffs attack matchups.
"It's about every single person ready to do their job and ready for their opportunity," Whidden added.
And when it clicks, it looks exactly how the Buffs want it to.
"The best part about it is that really it's just like a team effort out there," Teagan Ryan said after her hat trick against Cornell. "It only happens when we all work together."
That strong defensive unit has also fueled the offensive flow.
"It's nice when you can rely on getting stops, making saves," Whidden noted. "I think it allows you a little more freedom on how we're playing offensively, not constantly putting pressure on ourselves."
The Buffs return to action on Saturday, taking on Towson for the first time in program history. The Tigers dropped a 17-9 decision to Denver on Thursday, falling to 1-3 to start the season.
Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at CUBuffs.com/WlaxTixFor more information on Colorado Lacrosse, please visit cubuffs.com/wlax. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffswlax on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook.
