Buffs Set To Face No. 9 Northwestern in 2017 Season Opener

Sunday, February 12

Boulder, Colo.

12:00 PM

Colorado

Northwestern

Buffs Set To Face No. 9 Northwestern in 2017 Season Opener

February 08, 2017 | Lacrosse

Lacrosse Game Notes

By: Linda Sprouse, Associate SID

BOULDER — The Colorado women's lacrosse team will open its fourth season on Sunday, February 12 against ninth-ranked Northwestern at 12 p.m. at Kittredge Field. The Buffs, which have been picked to finish third in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, are looking to have a breakout season, just barely missing the NCAA Tournament in 2016. CU will have a tough schedule this year, facing several ranked opponents

HOW TO WATCH: CU's season opener against Northwestern will be televised live on Pac-12 Networks. Live stats will also be available at http://www.sidearmstats.com/cu/wlax/.

ABOUT THE BUFFS: Colorado returns 11 of its 12 starters from the 2016 season, which includes five All-MPSF performers. Marie Moore, Darby Kiernan and Sarah Brown were first team members, while Johnna Fusco and Paige Soenksen were tabbed second team selections.

In 2016, Kiernan led the Buffs in 2016 with 36 goals. She was also the team leader in points (47) and was third on the team in assists (11). Fusco was second on the team in goals with 33 and added 11 assists for 44 points; while senior Kelsie Garrison led CU with 39 ground balls. Soenksen played in all 18 games for the Buffs in 2016, recording a 13-5 record. She allowed 7.23 goals against and had a .464 save percentage.

This is the fourth year for the varsity program at CU. Of the 38 players on the roster, 15 are seniors and have been part of the program since 2014.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN: The Wildcats are ranked ninth in the IWLCA and Inside Lacrosse Top-20 Polls. NU has already played two games this season, winning both. The Wildcats opened the season at home with a win against Canisius (9-7) on Jan. 30. Then on Feb. 5, NU took to the road to face No. 8 Notre Dame, defeating the Fighting Irish 14-13.

Through two games, Christina Esposito has scored seven goals and has eight points with an assist. Corinne Wessels also has eight points with one goal and seven assists. In goal, Mallory Weisse has played all 120:00 minutes. She has recorded 16 saves for a .444 percentage on 36 shots faced.

HOME GAME INFORMATION: All of Colorado's home games will be played at Kittredge Field. Admission is free, as is parking in Lot 416.

SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Ralphie V will be making an appearance at the game against Northwestern. She will be across the street from the northwest side of the field and will be available for photos between 11 a.m. -12 p.m.