The CU Buffs: A Season of Resilience and Opportunity
May 6, 2025, 5:15 am
The Colorado Buffaloes are no strangers to adversity. This season, they’ve faced challenges that would make lesser teams crumble. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Buffs have shown resilience. Their journey through the Big 12 tournament is a testament to their grit and determination.
The women’s lacrosse team, ranked No. 21 at the start of the season, began with a rocky 1-4 record. They faced a gauntlet of ranked opponents, each game a mountain to climb. The Buffs stumbled, but they didn’t fall. They regrouped, learned, and adapted. This season has been a roller-coaster ride, with highs and lows that would test anyone’s resolve.
Injuries can derail a season. For the Buffs, losing fifth-year senior Morgan Pence was a blow. She was a key player, tied for eighth in team history with 37 career assists. Her absence left a void, but the team didn’t let it define them. Instead, they rallied. They dug deep and found strength in each other.
The Buffs faced a critical moment when they lost to state rival Denver. That defeat felt like a dark cloud hanging over their NCAA Tournament hopes. But rather than succumb to despair, they fought back. They secured the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 tournament with two crucial wins. It was a reminder that every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
As they prepare to face Arizona State, the Buffs are fueled by belief. They’ve tasted victory against ASU before, winning 14-13 in a nail-biter earlier this season. That win was a spark, igniting their confidence. Now, they stand on the brink of something bigger—a chance to claim their first conference championship.
The Buffs’ defense, with a goals-against average of 10.19, is a fortress. But they face a formidable opponent in ASU, whose offense is a well-oiled machine, averaging 15 goals per game. The challenge is steep, but the Buffs are ready. They know that every goal saved and every point scored could be the difference between glory and defeat.
Key players like Madeline Pisani and Maddie Shoup have stepped up. Pisani, named the Big 12’s Attack Player of the Year, is a force on the field. Shoup, with her agility and skill, complements the team’s dynamic. Together, they embody the spirit of the Buffs—tenacious, skilled, and unyielding.
On the football field, another story of resilience unfolds. Cornerback RJ Johnson is making waves. A converted safety, he’s embraced his new role with enthusiasm. The transition wasn’t just a change of position; it was a chance to redefine himself. Johnson’s journey from Arkansas to CU has been anything but ordinary. He’s faced setbacks, but each challenge has only sharpened his resolve.
With the departure of star players like Travis Hunter, Johnson sees an opportunity. The secondary is a mix of returning talent and new faces. Johnson’s experience at safety gives him an edge. He understands the game from multiple angles, making him a versatile asset. His goal is clear: to make an impact and help his team succeed.
Special teams have been Johnson’s proving ground. He’s embraced every snap, every tackle, and every moment on the field. His dedication shines through. He knows that hard work on special teams can pave the way to greater opportunities, even in the NFL. It’s a lesson in humility and perseverance.
As the Buffs gear up for the season, the atmosphere is electric. There’s a sense of purpose, a shared vision. The players are not just teammates; they’re a family. Each practice is a step toward a common goal. They’re not just playing for themselves; they’re playing for each other.
The CU Buffs are more than just a team. They’re a symbol of resilience. They’ve faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger. Whether on the lacrosse field or the football gridiron, they embody the spirit of competition. They remind us that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks.
As the Big 12 tournament approaches, the stakes are high. The Buffs are ready to seize the moment. They’ve fought hard to get here, and they won’t back down now. The journey has been long, but the destination is within reach. With every game, they write their own story—a story of determination, grit, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
In the end, it’s not just about winning. It’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the bonds forged along the way. The CU Buffs are ready to make their mark. They’re not just playing for a title; they’re playing for pride, for each other, and for the legacy they’ll leave behind. The stage is set, and the world is watching. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the CU Buffs will leave it all on the field.
The women’s lacrosse team, ranked No. 21 at the start of the season, began with a rocky 1-4 record. They faced a gauntlet of ranked opponents, each game a mountain to climb. The Buffs stumbled, but they didn’t fall. They regrouped, learned, and adapted. This season has been a roller-coaster ride, with highs and lows that would test anyone’s resolve.
Injuries can derail a season. For the Buffs, losing fifth-year senior Morgan Pence was a blow. She was a key player, tied for eighth in team history with 37 career assists. Her absence left a void, but the team didn’t let it define them. Instead, they rallied. They dug deep and found strength in each other.
The Buffs faced a critical moment when they lost to state rival Denver. That defeat felt like a dark cloud hanging over their NCAA Tournament hopes. But rather than succumb to despair, they fought back. They secured the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 tournament with two crucial wins. It was a reminder that every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
As they prepare to face Arizona State, the Buffs are fueled by belief. They’ve tasted victory against ASU before, winning 14-13 in a nail-biter earlier this season. That win was a spark, igniting their confidence. Now, they stand on the brink of something bigger—a chance to claim their first conference championship.
The Buffs’ defense, with a goals-against average of 10.19, is a fortress. But they face a formidable opponent in ASU, whose offense is a well-oiled machine, averaging 15 goals per game. The challenge is steep, but the Buffs are ready. They know that every goal saved and every point scored could be the difference between glory and defeat.
Key players like Madeline Pisani and Maddie Shoup have stepped up. Pisani, named the Big 12’s Attack Player of the Year, is a force on the field. Shoup, with her agility and skill, complements the team’s dynamic. Together, they embody the spirit of the Buffs—tenacious, skilled, and unyielding.
On the football field, another story of resilience unfolds. Cornerback RJ Johnson is making waves. A converted safety, he’s embraced his new role with enthusiasm. The transition wasn’t just a change of position; it was a chance to redefine himself. Johnson’s journey from Arkansas to CU has been anything but ordinary. He’s faced setbacks, but each challenge has only sharpened his resolve.
With the departure of star players like Travis Hunter, Johnson sees an opportunity. The secondary is a mix of returning talent and new faces. Johnson’s experience at safety gives him an edge. He understands the game from multiple angles, making him a versatile asset. His goal is clear: to make an impact and help his team succeed.
Special teams have been Johnson’s proving ground. He’s embraced every snap, every tackle, and every moment on the field. His dedication shines through. He knows that hard work on special teams can pave the way to greater opportunities, even in the NFL. It’s a lesson in humility and perseverance.
As the Buffs gear up for the season, the atmosphere is electric. There’s a sense of purpose, a shared vision. The players are not just teammates; they’re a family. Each practice is a step toward a common goal. They’re not just playing for themselves; they’re playing for each other.
The CU Buffs are more than just a team. They’re a symbol of resilience. They’ve faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger. Whether on the lacrosse field or the football gridiron, they embody the spirit of competition. They remind us that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks.
As the Big 12 tournament approaches, the stakes are high. The Buffs are ready to seize the moment. They’ve fought hard to get here, and they won’t back down now. The journey has been long, but the destination is within reach. With every game, they write their own story—a story of determination, grit, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
In the end, it’s not just about winning. It’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the bonds forged along the way. The CU Buffs are ready to make their mark. They’re not just playing for a title; they’re playing for pride, for each other, and for the legacy they’ll leave behind. The stage is set, and the world is watching. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the CU Buffs will leave it all on the field.