Buffaloes Break Through: CU Women's Lacrosse Wins First Big 12 Championship

Colorado's women's lacrosse program reached its pinnacle Saturday afternoon when the Buffaloes outlasted the defending champion Florida Gators 8-6 in the Big 12 Tournament Championship game at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville. The victory capped a remarkable season for the Boulder-based program and delivered the program's first-ever conference tournament championship after entering the Big 12 this season with a 14-3 record and a perfect 4-1 conference mark. The Buffaloes' offensive firepower proved decisive despite Florida's top seeding and 15-3 record heading into the matchup. Colorado's defense has been the season's calling card—the team has not allowed any opponent to reach double digits in goals across all 15 games this season, a defensive consistency that proved critical against an explosive Florida offense. The weather delay, which stretched nearly three hours, did little to disrupt Colorado's momentum or execution. Sophomore standout Shoup delivered in the championship moment, scoring four goals in Saturday's title game to extend her goal streak to six consecutive games. Shoup also recorded her sixth hat-trick of the season and her 13th career hat-trick, establishing herself as one of the program's most prolific scorers. Fellow Buff Assini recorded a point in the game, extending her own impressive streak to 33 consecutive games with at least one point. The championship victory qualifies Colorado for the NCAA Tournament, advancing the program's first season in the Big 12. The Buffaloes' defensive dominance and balanced offensive attack this season have positioned them as serious contenders in the national tournament. Colorado's ascent in women's lacrosse—capped by Saturday's historic conference title—represents a major milestone for the University of Colorado athletic program.