ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell opened its 2026 season with a strong late push but ultimately fell to University of Colorado, 8-5, on Saturday afternoon on Kittredge Field.

After trailing 5-1 at the end of the first half, the Big Red stayed within striking distance and erupted with a goal early in the third followed by three, fourth-quarter goals to cut the deficit to three.

Stat Breakdown
Emily Iacobellis put Cornell on the board in the second quarter off an assist from Lexie Tully, trimming the margin to 3-1. Lilly Whaling added an early third-quarter goal, finishing a feed from Ellie Bornhoeft to make it 5-2.

Cornell's biggest surge came in the fourth.

Ellie Bergin opened the period with a goal off a Whaling assist to make it 6-3. Just over a minute later, Lexie Tully scored to bring the Big Red within two at 6-4. After Colorado responded, Kathleen Michaud capped Cornell's scoring with 1:12 remaining to account for the 8-5 final.

In goal, Maren Clark turned in a steady performance, making seven saves over 60 minutes of action.

Colorado held a 26-12 edge in shots and forced 21 Cornell turnovers, but the Big Red controlled nine draws and converted 17-of-19 clears while showing resilience down the stretch.

Up Next
The Big Red returns to action Tuesday, facing UC Davis at a neutral site hosted by University of Colorado. First draw is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.