JR Payne's Buffaloes have a tough road ahead to start season

Colorado Women’s Basketball will be tested early, but expect to compete in March

A climatic season seems to be in the works for the ladies in black and gold. Coming off of a triumphant win against the defending champs, it’s not hard to see why.

The Colorado Buffaloes defeated the LSU Tigers 92-76 Monday night in Las Vegas. A game that saw senior guard Frida Formann and senior center Aaronette Vonleh combine for 51 points against a stout defense led by Angel Reese.

The Buffaloes have all eyes on them as they look to improve on what many to believe as a “Cinderella” story. After making it to the Sweet 16, this team is destined for far more. That’s part of why this roster is filled with seasoned veterans yearning for a deeper run. 

Colorado is returning four of their five starters to give themselves a chance at atoning for their tournament loss a season ago. The early part of the schedule looks to bend to their favor. Eight of their first ten games are played at home. Only one of those games is played against a conference opponent. Colorado can get off to a strong start as no team in that stretch is ranked.

Then things start to get a little stressful. They head on the road to face 5th-ranked conference rival Utah. The Utes continue to be one of the top ranked schools as they’ve proven to be tough to handle defensively.

After a trip to Salt Lake City, the trip throughout the conference continues as the next ten games will be filled with nothing but conference opponents. Four of those rivals are ranked with the highest being none other than UCLA. The Bruins being ranked 4th in the nation will put a chip on the Buffaloes shoulders. 

The last seven games could be a make or break stretch pending the way the season pans out. Facing opponents like; UCLA, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Arizona will surely be an obstacle as none of these teams will be easy to beat.

Let’s not forget they have some talent, including sharpshooter by the name of Shelomi Sanders sitting in waiting. This team has star power all over this roster considering they themselves are ranked 20th in the nation. This season promises to be special. It's one that could lead to heartbreak, or a rise to a new era, either way we’re for a whirlwind of a season.