BOULDER, COLORADO — #3 Colorado survived a marathon battle against Utah Valley, securing a 2-1 victory in double overtime Friday night in front of 2,171 fans at Balch Fieldhouse. The Buffaloes, riding high after winning the Big 12 Championship, needed every ounce of their championship pedigree to outlast the resilient Wolverines in an NCAA Tournament matchup that stretched well past regulation.
Bailey Peterson gave Utah Valley an early advantage in the 5th minute, capitalizing on a chance set up by Ruby Hladek. Colorado answered back through Vivi Zacarias in the 39th minute to level the match heading into halftime. The deadlock persisted through 90 minutes of regulation and the entire first overtime period, forcing the teams into a second extra session. Reagan Kotschau finally broke through for Colorado in the 106th minute, assisted by Ava Priest, to send the home crowd into celebration.
The first half belonged to neither team definitively, though Colorado controlled possession stretches. Hope Leyba tested Utah Valley's defense multiple times, while Faith Webber created problems on the other end with her movement and positioning. Both sides generated chances without capitalizing on most of them, setting up a tightly contested second 45 minutes.
After the break, Colorado's adjustments paid dividends as the Buffaloes pressed higher and forced Utah Valley deeper into their own half. The visitors, however, refused to wilt under pressure. Their defensive shape remained organized, and they continued to threaten on the counter. The match developed into an end-to-end affair with both goalkeepers earning their keep—Colorado's keeper made seven saves while Utah Valley's counterpart recorded five.
Colorado dominated the shot count with 28 attempts to Utah Valley's 21, though the Wolverines were more clinical with 8 shots on goal compared to Colorado's 7. Corner kicks remained relatively even at 12 for Colorado and 11 for Utah Valley, neither team able to convert set-piece opportunities into decisive moments. The physical intensity never wavered, with both teams earning yellow cards for their aggressive approach.
Kotschau's heroics in the 106th minute capped a performance where Colorado's depth proved the difference. The Buffaloes cycled through multiple lineups across the match, with wholesale substitutions at halftime and tactical adjustments throughout. Leyba remained a constant threat, consistently finding space and forcing saves. For Utah Valley, Webber and Hladek provided consistent attacking thrust despite the Wolverines' inability to find a second goal.
The marathon contest tested both teams' conditioning and mental fortitude. Utah Valley's record now sits at 14-5-3 following the loss, while Colorado improves to 16-3-3 with the victory. The Buffaloes' championship experience—fresh off their Big 12 title run—appeared to make the difference in the final moments when composure mattered most.
This NCAA Tournament clash showcased the quality of women's college soccer at its highest level, with two well-organized teams refusing to surrender despite mounting fatigue. Colorado's ability to find a winner in double overtime demonstrates the attacking depth and resilience that defines championship-caliber programs, while Utah Valley's competitive showing proved they belong among the nation's elite despite the heartbreaking result. Colorado awaits the winner of Xavier and Dayton.