CU Beats Denver 11-9 in NCAA Tournament 2026

For the first time ever, two Colorado programs shared an NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament bracket. On May 10, 2026, the CU Boulder Buffaloes hosted the University of Denver in the Second Round — and won 11-9. It was a milestone moment for lacrosse in this state, and Boulder County fans had every reason to watch.

The CU-DU Rivalry

CU and Denver have long been in-state rivals, but they play in different conferences, which means their paths rarely cross in postseason play. When the NCAA bracket paired them in the Second Round, it was historic — the first time two Colorado women's lacrosse programs had ever met in the NCAA Tournament. The game was played on CU's home field in Boulder, where the Buffs had gone 9-0 all season long.

How the Game Played Out

CU entered the game at 16-3, riding a nine-game win streak — the second-longest in program history. According to the CU Buffs game recap on cubuffs.com, the Buffs played with the same focus that had carried them through the season. Denver kept it close, but CU pulled through 11-9, advancing to the next round. USA Lacrosse called it a moment that did Colorado proud.

What the Win Meant

The victory sent CU to its first-ever NCAA Quarterfinals — a program milestone. The Buffs faced top-ranked Northwestern in the Quarterfinals and pushed them to double overtime before falling 13-12. Losing to the number-one team by one goal in double OT, after reaching the Quarterfinals for the first time in program history, is a run that Boulder County lacrosse fans will remember.

Following CU Women's Lacrosse

If you want the full picture of how CU got to this point — the wins, the streak, and the season that built this postseason run — check out the CU Buffs 2026 Women's Lacrosse Season overview for the complete story.