Buffs Roundup: The conference disappointments continue

BOULDER — Fall sports are winding down and Colorado is struggling in the home stretch as teams are looking for late-season sparks.

Here’s what went down:

Football

The Buffs’ losing streak expands to four as they drop to 3-5 on the season after a heartbreaking finish at Folsom on Friday, losing to the Trojans 35-31.

For a bit there, it looked like the Buffs would finally top USC, as they entered Friday with a combined record against the Trojans of 0-13. Late in the third, it looked like the Buffs would finally steal one, as a Steven Montez rushing touchdown pushed CU ahead 31-21. However, a nasty hit on Montez later in the quarter (one that still leaves fans questioning the no-call) knocked him out for a brief period, and his return brought nothing but inconsistency. 

Ultimately, the Trojans scored two touchdowns in the fourth to win the game, and although Montez finished with four scores and a 180 rating and Laviska Shenault put up 172 yards through the air, the offensive explosion was not enough to overcome the Pac-12 South leaders.

Looking ahead, the Buffs will travel to LA to take on UCLA next Saturday in a desperate attempt to break the losing streak and push for bowl eligibility.

Soccer

The Buff’s record falls to 10-5-2 as they lost to Stanford and tied with California this week.

First, against No. 2 Stanford, the Buffs were heavily outmatched in every aspect of the match. As if the 4-0 final was not a large enough indication of the game-flow, the Cardinals put up a whopping 26 shots with 12 on target, compared to a mere seven shots by CU with just one put on the frame. One positive takeaway is the continued strong play from senior goalkeeper J.J. Tompkins, for although four went in the back of the net, she managed to grab eight saves.

Things were a bit closer on Sunday in Boulder against the Golder Bears, as the Buffs tied 1-1 behind an early goal by Taylor Kornieck. The Buffs were able to keep pace in this match, putting 17 shots up against the Bears’ 21, with both teams notching nine on target and each goalkeeper netting eight saves.

The Buffs have put together several impressive showings this season, and are looking to finish strong over the next 10 days as they take on Washington St. and Utah in a long road trip.

Volleyball

The Buffs’ drop two more games this week as their record falls to 8-12 behind losses to Washington State and Washington.

CU just can’t catch a break on the court, as they first matched up with No. 24 Washington State and lost all three sets. The Buffs only managed to earn more than 20 points once in three attempts, as their hitting percentage was a mere 6%, although Justine Spann was able to earn three aces in her eight kills.

Against No. 9 Washington, the Buffs stole one set but fell 1-3, again struggling to strike the ball well. For a second-straight match, Justine Spann led the Buffs with 14 kills but Colorado still lost by 20 points.

CU is hoping a homestand can help end this slide, as they look ahead to hosting Arizona and Arizona State at the CU Events Center on Friday and Sunday.

Golf

The men’s team is off until February, while the women’s team looks ahead to one last tournament of 2019 in Hawaii beginning on Nov. 4.

Cross Country

Both cross country teams are preparing for the Pac-12 Championship in Oregon on Friday.