May. 12th, 2004 - BYU Slams Door on Colorado's Run, Advances to Semis, Again
Fenton, MO - The seventh seeded BYU Cougars beat the third seeded Colorado Buffaloes Wednesday afternoon to advance to the MDIA Final Four. In their third meeting of the year, the Cougars were finally able to top the Buffs. BYU built an early lead and repulsed a key Colorado scoring run en route to a 16-9 victory.
BYU jumped out to a 7-3 lead half way through the second quarter, only to see that lead threatened by a Colorado run of three goals in just over three minutes. With their lead cut down to one the Cougar's Mark Davis were able to score a goal with: 59 left to open a two goal margin. But it was the final goal of the half that deflated Colorado's efforts to make a comeback. Gaining possession with: 10 left, BYU Head Coach Jason Lamb called timeout. He explained his reasoning
"I don't ever remember calling time out with ten seconds left in the half, but I knew there was chance that we could lose this game by one or that it could come down to a one goal game like it did in Provo."
BYU's Justin Hier managed to get the ball behind Colorado's net and find teammate Mark Davis, who beat CU keeper Chris Bluse off his right hip with no time left on the clock. The goal proved to be the crucial turning point as BYU started the third quarter with three straight tallies to open a six goal lead.
Colorado again seemed to get some momentum going scoring to EMO goals in the third, but each of those tallies were answered with a Cougar goal.
"We just couldn't get ahead today," stated Colorado senior Chris Bluse.
"We could never get on a roll and go with it. That's why they finished ahead of us today."
Senior attackman Chris Bok agreed.
"We had spurts, where we had two or three goals, but they always answered back."
BYU was able to keep Colorado to one fourth quarter goal and answer two more of their own. BYU went on to win 16-9 and advance to take on RMLC foe, Colorado State, on Friday in one half of the MDIA Final Four.
BYU's Lamb reflected on the quarterfinal match and explained some strategy for BYU's upcoming date with the Rams.
"We have talked a lot about ending runs. This also applies to the Rams. If you let them get an eight goal run on you, you're dead. We try to emphasize the fact that it's okay if a team gets a couple on you, you just have to answer right away."
But for Bluse, Bok and the other Buffalo seniors it's the end of the season, and unfortunately their collegiate careers. Bluse reflected on the loss and his career.
"I definitely wish we would have won, it's a heartbreaker to stop there. This was the last game that really counted, but I have had a good trip all the way. You can't be unhappy with everything that has happened. We've turned the program around. No regrets."