GOLDEN, Colorado— The Colorado State University Rams finished the 2010 fall season in style with three wins at the Pumpkin Shootout at the Manning School in Golden, CO. Playing shortened games, the Rams beat UNC 8-4 and Regis 12-1 and in the showcase game of the tournament, defeated the University of Colorado 6-2. Everyone got a chance to play on an unseasonably hot day in late October as the Rams worked through their roster in their final outdoor competition of the fall.
In the first game of the day, CSU matched up with a spirited team from the University of Northern Colorado. The Rams took advantage of some penalties from the Bears and slowly paced away to an 8-4 win, but not before being tested.
At 1pm, the mood dramatically shifted as Colorado and Colorado State turned up the emotional dial. In front of a large crowd, the two long time rivals showed many of the high school players in attendance what college lacrosse is all about. The Rams raced out to a 4-0 lead at halftime and then withstood an energetic comeback by the Buffs to win 6-2. The game was befitting of two solid MCLA programs and represented both universities well.
In the final game of the day, the "younger" Rams took the field against an overmatched Regis University. Playing the majority of the game on the offensive half of the field, CSU steadily built a lead to run away from the Rangers 12-1 and cap a successful day for the Rams.
The Pumpkin Shootout was a first-year event bringing together competitive high school club teams from around the state of Colorado as a recruiting tool. With the four colleges playing as well, both high schoolers and college coaches got a chance to take a look at each other and pursue recruiting opportunities.
The Rams will play their first spring contest of the year on February 19 against UNC in Greeley, CO.