The Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team secured a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after a commanding **3-0 victory** over Xavier on **March 21, 2024**. This triumph marks the third time in program history that the Buffs have reached this stage, and their first since **2013**.
In a thrilling display at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, the highlight of the match came from junior forward **Hope Leyba**, whose stunning **40-yard goal** late in the game provided a powerful exclamation point to the already solid lead. Coach **Danny Sanchez**, who has guided the team to two of its three Sweet 16 appearances, praised Leyba’s performance, stating, “That third goal from Hope, what class… What a classy goal from Hope.”
With this victory, the third-seeded Buffs will face the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans on **March 24**, seeking their first Elite Eight berth. This upcoming match is particularly significant, as the two teams previously met in August, playing to a **1-1 draw** in Boulder during their season opener.
Leyba’s early goal in that match signaled a promising season ahead, eventually leading to a record-setting total of **22 goals** for the season. The Buffs have only experienced **two wins** in their NCAA Tournament road history and are determined to build on their recent success. Their last Sweet 16 run began with a **first-round victory** at Denver in **2013**.
Sanchez emphasized the importance of this opportunity for his senior players, saying, “It’s not about us… for them to have this opportunity and to have an opportunity to advance in the tournament when there’s only 16 teams left is a tremendous testament to them and their commitment to the program.”
The Buffs will need to be at their best against a strong Michigan State team, which boasts an impressive record of **14-3-6**. Key players for the Buffs include Leyba, who has scored **22 goals** and provided one assist, and sophomore forward **Jace Holley**, who has contributed **12 goals** and six assists.
In preparation for the clash, Sanchez noted, “Michigan State’s a two seed for a reason. At this point, there’s not a lot of secrets. We’ll be ready on Sunday.”
The Buffs aim to leverage their momentum as they head into the Sweet 16, with their sights set firmly on advancing further in the tournament. The match against Michigan State is scheduled to kick off at **11:00 AM MT** and will be broadcast on **ESPN+**.
As both teams gear up for this pivotal matchup, the excitement is palpable among players and fans alike, with the Buffs poised to make a memorable run in the NCAA Tournament.
