BOULDER, COLORADO — Colorado defeated Texas Tech 3-0 on Thursday at Balch Fieldhouse, delivering a decisive performance that showcased the Buffaloes' offensive prowess and defensive resilience against a Red Raiders squad ranked among the nation's elite. The victory extended Colorado's unbeaten streak while handing Texas Tech its first loss in three matches.
Ava Priest opened the scoring for Colorado in the 12th minute, assisted by Jace Holley, giving the home side an early advantage. Hope Leyba doubled the lead in the 14th minute, extending Colorado's dominance in the opening stages of the match. Leyba added her second goal of the contest in the 63rd minute, assisted by Reagan Kotschau, sealing the comprehensive victory and demonstrating Colorado's clinical finishing when opportunities presented themselves.
The first half belonged almost entirely to Colorado, which controlled possession and created multiple scoring chances while limiting Texas Tech's attacking opportunities. The Buffaloes' early goals in the 12th and 14th minutes set the tone for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes, forcing Texas Tech into a reactive posture. Molly Skurcenski attempted a shot in the 45th minute that sailed out left, while Raleigh Greason's effort in the 6th minute found the goalkeeper. Taylor Zdrojewski recorded a blocked shot in the 11th minute as Texas Tech struggled to generate sustained pressure. Colorado's defense, anchored by the backline work of Ruby Hayward, Mallory Allen, and Riley MacDonald, effectively neutralized Texas Tech's attacking threats throughout the first half. The Red Raiders managed nine corner kicks but failed to convert any into scoring opportunities, while Colorado's two early goals provided a commanding cushion heading into halftime.
The second half saw Texas Tech emerge with greater intensity, attempting to claw back into the contest through increased attacking pressure. Alana Harry recorded multiple shot attempts in the 51st and 52nd minutes, while Macy Blackburn tested Colorado's defense with efforts in the 65th and 67th minutes. However, Colorado's goalkeeper made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, and the Buffaloes' defensive organization remained intact despite sustained Texas Tech pressure. Hope Leyba's insurance goal in the 63rd minute effectively ended any hopes of a Texas Tech comeback, as the Red Raiders could not generate the offensive firepower necessary to breach Colorado's resolute defense. The final 27 minutes saw Texas Tech continue pressing forward with shots from Raleigh Greason in the 69th and 74th minutes, but Colorado's goalkeeper and defensive unit stood firm.
Colorado outshot Texas Tech 23-12 overall, though the Red Raiders held a 10-7 advantage in shots on target, reflecting their increased second-half pressure. The Buffaloes recorded just one corner kick compared to Texas Tech's nine, yet proved far more efficient in converting their limited opportunities. Colorado's goalkeeper recorded 10 saves, while Texas Tech's goalkeeper made four saves. Colorado committed fewer fouls and maintained superior discipline, receiving no yellow cards compared to Texas Tech's one caution.
Ava Priest's opening goal set the tone for Colorado's dominant performance, while Hope Leyba's two-goal effort proved decisive. Jace Holley's assist on Priest's goal demonstrated Colorado's attacking coordination. For Texas Tech, Alana Harry led the offensive charge with multiple attempts, though her efforts could not overcome Colorado's defensive solidity.
Colorado's tactical approach emphasized early pressure and clinical finishing, exploiting Texas Tech's defensive vulnerabilities in the opening quarter-hour. The Buffaloes' compact defensive shape in the second half effectively neutralized the Red Raiders' numerical advantage in corner kicks and shot attempts.
The result marks a significant statement for Colorado, which improved to 12-2-3 overall while extending its unbeaten streak. Texas Tech, despite its 12-2-2 record, suffered its first loss in three matches, a setback that could impact its conference standing. Colorado hosts Arizona on October 26, while Texas Tech travels to face Kansas State the same day.