A Rocky Start in the Pac‑12
On August 12, the Colorado State women's soccer team stepped onto the field for its first competitive game as a member of the Pac‑12, wearing Adidas kits for the first time in program history. The Rams faced the University of Colorado in a match that began under clear skies but quickly turned turbulent.
A sudden bout of lightning forced a delay, with rain pelting the pitch before play could resume. The interruption added a dramatic edge to a contest that already carried the weight of a top‑13 ranking for the Buffaloes, who entered the game as the nation’s No. 13 side according to the coaches' poll.
Lightning and Late Drama
When the whistle finally blew, freshman forward Ava Wallhead broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, slotting a goal that drew the Rams level. Goalkeeper Addison Huber, meanwhile, kept the score within reach with six saves that peppered the Colorado attack.
Despite the effort, the Buffaloes struck back late, with Lilian Zamorano finding the net in the closing stages to secure a 2‑1 victory. The win marked a historic moment for Colorado, while also underscoring the challenges faced by a young CSU squad adjusting to a new conference and uniform.
The match also carried a footnote from the past, recalling a 2021 encounter that was ruled a no‑contest due to similar weather woes. That memory lingered as the teams navigated the same unpredictable elements.