CU Buffs: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Lacrosse and Basketball
April 23, 2025, 4:27 pm
The CU Buffs are at a crossroads. In women's lacrosse, the seniors are rallying for a strong finish. In basketball, the team is reshaping its roster. Both sports are a microcosm of the challenges and triumphs faced by student-athletes.
In lacrosse, the Buffs are fighting for their postseason lives. After a heart-wrenching loss to No. 24 Denver, the path to the NCAA Tournament looks narrow. The Buffs sit at No. 26 in the RPI rankings. They have a single win against a ranked opponent. That win came against Army, a team ranked No. 21. The stakes are high. Winning the Big 12 tournament is the only ticket to the NCAA dance.
Seniors like Madeline Pisani are the backbone of this team. Pisani, a fifth-year player, has a storied career. She’s ranked seventh in program history for goals and tenth in points. Her determination shines through. She has scored in 12 of 13 games this season. Each goal is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The Buffs are not just playing for themselves. They are playing for each other. Coach Ann Elliott Whidden emphasizes the importance of teamwork. The seniors have sacrificed for the greater good. They have paved the way for younger players. This season is about extending their legacy.
The upcoming game against UC Davis is crucial. The Buffs have a perfect record against the Aggies. They are 8-0 all-time. But records mean little in sports. Every game is a new battle. The Buffs need to channel their energy into this match. A win could reignite their hopes for the postseason.
Meanwhile, the basketball team is undergoing a transformation. The Buffs have seen significant turnover. Five players have departed, including key contributors. This exodus leaves the team with open slots. But there’s a silver lining. The Buffs recently added Barrington Hargress, a transfer from UC Riverside. Hargress brings skills that the team desperately needs. He can create his own shot and facilitate plays.
Head coach Tad Boyle is on a mission. He needs to fill the gaps left by departing players. Rebounding has been a hallmark of Boyle’s teams. This past season, the Buffs struggled on the boards. They ranked ninth in the Big 12 with a marginal rebound margin. Losing their top two rebounders will only exacerbate this issue.
But hope is not lost. Players like Bangot Dak and Elijah Malone are poised for growth. They need to step up. Improvement from these players could change the narrative. A new transfer who can secure rebounds would also be a game-changer.
The schedule is shifting, too. Boyle believes the return to an 18-game conference schedule will enhance competition. The nonconference slate is already shaping up to be tougher. The Buffs will face power conference teams, including Stanford and Providence. These matchups will test their mettle.
Both teams are in a state of flux. The lacrosse squad is fighting for survival. The basketball team is rebuilding. Yet, there’s a common thread. Both are driven by a desire to succeed. The seniors in lacrosse want to leave a lasting legacy. The basketball team aims to establish a new identity.
As the lacrosse season winds down, every game counts. The Buffs must harness their collective strength. They need to play with heart and determination. Each goal scored is a step closer to their dreams.
In basketball, the focus is on the future. The Buffs are reloading. They are seeking talent that fits their vision. The upcoming season holds promise. With the right pieces in place, they can rise again.
The journey is never easy. It’s filled with ups and downs. But that’s what makes sports beautiful. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat coexist. The CU Buffs embody this spirit. They are resilient. They are fighters.
As the seasons unfold, the Buffs will continue to battle. They will face challenges head-on. The road may be rocky, but the destination is worth it. Whether on the lacrosse field or the basketball court, the Buffs are ready to make their mark.
In the end, it’s about more than just wins and losses. It’s about growth, teamwork, and perseverance. The CU Buffs are not just athletes; they are warriors. They play for each other, for their school, and for the love of the game.
As the final games approach, the excitement builds. The Buffs are poised for action. They are ready to seize their moment. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.
In lacrosse, the Buffs are fighting for their postseason lives. After a heart-wrenching loss to No. 24 Denver, the path to the NCAA Tournament looks narrow. The Buffs sit at No. 26 in the RPI rankings. They have a single win against a ranked opponent. That win came against Army, a team ranked No. 21. The stakes are high. Winning the Big 12 tournament is the only ticket to the NCAA dance.
Seniors like Madeline Pisani are the backbone of this team. Pisani, a fifth-year player, has a storied career. She’s ranked seventh in program history for goals and tenth in points. Her determination shines through. She has scored in 12 of 13 games this season. Each goal is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The Buffs are not just playing for themselves. They are playing for each other. Coach Ann Elliott Whidden emphasizes the importance of teamwork. The seniors have sacrificed for the greater good. They have paved the way for younger players. This season is about extending their legacy.
The upcoming game against UC Davis is crucial. The Buffs have a perfect record against the Aggies. They are 8-0 all-time. But records mean little in sports. Every game is a new battle. The Buffs need to channel their energy into this match. A win could reignite their hopes for the postseason.
Meanwhile, the basketball team is undergoing a transformation. The Buffs have seen significant turnover. Five players have departed, including key contributors. This exodus leaves the team with open slots. But there’s a silver lining. The Buffs recently added Barrington Hargress, a transfer from UC Riverside. Hargress brings skills that the team desperately needs. He can create his own shot and facilitate plays.
Head coach Tad Boyle is on a mission. He needs to fill the gaps left by departing players. Rebounding has been a hallmark of Boyle’s teams. This past season, the Buffs struggled on the boards. They ranked ninth in the Big 12 with a marginal rebound margin. Losing their top two rebounders will only exacerbate this issue.
But hope is not lost. Players like Bangot Dak and Elijah Malone are poised for growth. They need to step up. Improvement from these players could change the narrative. A new transfer who can secure rebounds would also be a game-changer.
The schedule is shifting, too. Boyle believes the return to an 18-game conference schedule will enhance competition. The nonconference slate is already shaping up to be tougher. The Buffs will face power conference teams, including Stanford and Providence. These matchups will test their mettle.
Both teams are in a state of flux. The lacrosse squad is fighting for survival. The basketball team is rebuilding. Yet, there’s a common thread. Both are driven by a desire to succeed. The seniors in lacrosse want to leave a lasting legacy. The basketball team aims to establish a new identity.
As the lacrosse season winds down, every game counts. The Buffs must harness their collective strength. They need to play with heart and determination. Each goal scored is a step closer to their dreams.
In basketball, the focus is on the future. The Buffs are reloading. They are seeking talent that fits their vision. The upcoming season holds promise. With the right pieces in place, they can rise again.
The journey is never easy. It’s filled with ups and downs. But that’s what makes sports beautiful. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat coexist. The CU Buffs embody this spirit. They are resilient. They are fighters.
As the seasons unfold, the Buffs will continue to battle. They will face challenges head-on. The road may be rocky, but the destination is worth it. Whether on the lacrosse field or the basketball court, the Buffs are ready to make their mark.
In the end, it’s about more than just wins and losses. It’s about growth, teamwork, and perseverance. The CU Buffs are not just athletes; they are warriors. They play for each other, for their school, and for the love of the game.
As the final games approach, the excitement builds. The Buffs are poised for action. They are ready to seize their moment. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.