After an up-and-down conference slate, Colorado got into a groove as the 2022 postseason approached.

The Buffs won two straight to close the regular season, including an upset victory in their finale against then-No. 10 Denver. The win featured crafty stickwork, fist pumping on the sidelines and sheer joy on the field.

But the momentum wasn’t enough. Just a week later, Oregon sent the Buffs packing in a dominant win in the Pac-12 tournament — a shock in the Pac-12 and the lacrosse world at large.

Coach Ann Elliott Whidden said she expects that loss to sting until Colorado gets another shot at making the postseason. Throughout the offseason, it has been a key motivator for the Buffs.

“It’s something we have to understand, the general message of, ‘Nobody’s going to give you anything,’” Elliott Whidden said. “We have to play like that every day in practice, not [only] on gameday. That’s been a driving message for us.”

Three years removed from its last appearance in the NCAA tournament, Colorado is ready to make a name for itself nationally once again. Amid shakeups on the coaching staff and the strength of veteran returners, the Buffs are eyeing a return to competitive play within the Pac-12.

Perhaps the biggest offseason adjustments for Colorado have come on the offensive end. Nicole Beardsley, previously an assistant at UMass, joined over the summer and has been innovative for the attack. Elliott Whidden noted how she and Beardsley share a Northwestern background, saying she has been a “great fit” in Boulder.

Colorado lost much of its offensive production, including Sadie Grozier and Chloe Willard — its leaders in goals and assists, respectively. But attacker Charlie Rudy, the Buffs’ second-highest scorer in 2022, returns for a fifth year. The California native emerged as a star last season, earning accolades such as USA Lacrosse Magazine Player of the Week honors in March and All-Pac-12 second team recognition.

As Colorado has adjusted to Beardsley’s style of play, Elliott Whidden said Rudy has been an important voice on the offensive end. Her maturity and leadership have been exciting to witness.

With several key players departing, there are plenty of faces, new and old, ready to step up. Colorado added 10 players ahead of the 2023 season, including transfer Camryn Stoner, who starred defensively at Marist.

While only in their first semester with the Buffs, Elliott Whidden said the program’s freshmen have been “fearless.”

“It’s the competitiveness and drive they have every day that’s pushing our team and older players to be better,” Elliott Whidden said. “[They’re] pushing themselves and putting themselves in a good position to compete and play.”

Senior goalkeeper Grace Donnelly has been another offseason anchor for Colorado after starting all 17 games in 2022. Elliott Whidden said Donnelly’s confidence has been important for the Buffs on defense, and the competition among the program’s goalkeepers has elevated the team’s play as well.

While Colorado is young right now, Elliott Whidden said her bunch has been energized and competitive. After going even in the Pac-12 in 2022, the Buffs are already on the lookout to improve their performance and execute well against early season opponents, too.

“We can compete in our non-conference schedule,” Colorado said. “To close that gap, we just have to do some extra work and commit to it.”