Colorado
University of Denver
CU Lacrosse Opens Fall Slate Vs. Denver
September 25, 2026 | Lacrosse
BOULDER – Colorado lacrosse will return to action Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m., as the Buffaloes begin their fall exhibition schedule against in-state rival Denver, returning to Folsom Field for the first time since 2014.
The weekend matchup will pay homage to the program's roots, recreating the tradition that accompanied Colorado's first-ever home game 12 years ago at Folsom Field. Ralphie is scheduled to run before the opening draw, weather permitting.
Head coach Ann Elliott Whidden, the 2026 Big 12 Coach of the Year, is the only head coach in program history and boasts a 146-79 overall record since the program's inaugural season. She guided the Buffaloes to their fourth undefeated home season last spring.
The exhibition offers fans an early look at the team as it prepares for the 2027 season. Coming off a 16-4 campaign last spring that included its first Big 12 Tournament championship and first NCAA Tournament quarterfinal appearance, Colorado will look to its returners to make big strides.
Several key contributors return, including senior attackers Teagan Ryan, who finished second on the team with 41 goals in 2026, and Jaimey Hill, who contributed 41 points. Senior midfielder Averi Gardner and sophomore attacker Rowan Edson are also likely to bring success for the team, with Edson having tallied 28 goals last season.
Junior goalkeeper Elena Oh, named the 2026 Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year, will return to the net. Earning seven Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards in 2026, Oh led the nation with a 6.89 goals-against average and posted a .464 save percentage.
Though currently two wins shy of being tied with DU in all-time competition (6-8), CU has prevailed in the last two meetings. The national-caliber squad earned a 9-6 road victory over the Pioneers April 15 before later defeating them 11-9 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Exhibition admission is free, and concessions will be available throughout the event. Ticket information for the Saturday morning matchup is available here.
UP NEXT: Following Saturday's event, the Buffs will host their annual Alumni Game on Friday, Oct. 2, at Kittredge Field.
SOCIALS: For more information on Colorado lacrosse, visit CUBuffs.com/WLax. Follow the Buffaloes on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook at @CUBuffsWLax.
