Buffs lift Colorado Cup for fourth time in a row

Colorado midfielder Emerson Layne dances around a defender during Saturday's Colorado Cup. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

For the fourth time in a row and the ninth time overall, the Colorado Buffaloes lifted the Colorado Cup.

The UCCS Mountain Lions, Northern Colorado Bears, Colorado College Tigers, Denver Pioneers and Air Force Falcons traveled to Prentup Field to try and rip the cup from the grasp of the Buffs. Although Denver and UCCS had valiant tries, CU came out of the evening celebrating another cup win.

Game One vs UCCS

Straight out of the gate, Colorado looked to finish its enemies off early. Within the first five minutes of the half, sophomore forward Jace Holley blasted in the tournament's first goal.

After the score, UCCS turned up their aggressiveness. The Mountain Lions were controlling the ball at will and ended up tying the game at one.

In the second half, the Buffs regained the lead through a Hope Leyba tap-in. Minutes later, Washington State transfer Reagan Kotschau iced the game after she beat the keeper at the near post for Colorado’s third goal.

Game Two vs Colorado College

In its second game of the day, CU controlled from the first whistle. Holley scored once again. Colorado dominated all game, able to move the ball into opposing territory at will, but they could not come up with points at the end of their opportunities.

Towards the end of the second half sophomore defender Jordan Whiteaker curled in a ball to the far post from over 20 yards to extend the lead to two, and send the Buffs to the final of the cup.

Cup Final vs Denver

Throughout the first two games of the tournament, Denver had looked like a real challenger to CU’s throne, and through the first 15 minutes of the game, it looked like the Buffs had a real challenge on their plate.

While in Denver’s box, Emerson Layne was knocked down, which won Colorado a penalty. Defender Ava Priest stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball into the net to take an early lead.

Minutes later, Holley headered in her third goal in as many games. Before the end of the first half, the Buffs were able to extend the lead to three after a Riley MacDonald goal.

Although Denver tried to pressure in the second half, they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

This three-game stretch for the Buffs further cemented Kotschau as the head of the attack. She was fluid all tournament long and easily created chances for her frontline to finish. Holley also had a great tournament; she was able to score in every game. These three games are performances CU has to build off of to have a successful 2025 season.

The Buffs begin their regular season at home against the Michigan State Spartans on Aug. 14.