🟤💛 Pokes Weekly Review September 14–20, 2025
Cowboys and Cowgirls fans had plenty to cheer (and grind their teeth) about this past week. From soccer’s home shutout to a cross country history-making performance, here’s the complete rundown of all things Wyoming athletics:
🎾 Women’s Tennis
Sept. 14 | Jon Messick Invitational – Fort Collins, CO
The Cowgirls wrapped up a strong showing at Colorado State’s invitational. Violetta Borodina, Anastasiia Kochelaevskaia, and Ruby Young all advanced to finals in their respective singles draws, while several doubles pairs notched wins throughout the weekend.Sept. 19–20 | Bedford Cup – USAF Academy, CO
Wyoming joined a competitive field featuring top programs from around the Mountain West and beyond. While full bracket results are pending, the Cowgirls picked up valuable fall-season experience with match play across both singles and doubles.
⚽ Women’s Soccer
Sept. 14 | vs Colorado Mesa – Laramie, WY
✅ Win 1–0
The Cowgirls honored their seniors with a gritty victory at the Madrid Sports Complex.Goal: Kiley Ballek (her 3rd of the season), assisted by Alyssa Glover
Defense: Keeper Haley Bartel tallied her fifth shutout of the year and the 15th of her career, needing just one save.
Sept. 18 | at South Dakota State – Brookings, SD
❌ Loss 0–2
Wyoming outshot the Jackrabbits 23–11, including 9 shots on frame, but couldn’t find the net. SDSU scored in the 40th minute (Jenna Maloy) and doubled the lead after halftime via a Cowgirl own goal.Leaders: Ballek and Glover each tallied four shots, while Maddie Burr added three.
🏐 Women’s Volleyball – UniWyo Invite (Laramie, WY)
Sept. 18 | vs Long Beach State – L 2–3
Wyoming stormed to a 15–4 lead in the opening set but dropped a nail-biter in the fifth, 15–13. Sara Quigley shined with clutch kills during the Cowgirls’ third-set comeback.Sept. 19 | vs Idaho State – L 2–3
Another five-set heartbreaker for the Pokes, who battled but fell short late.Sept. 20 | vs Portland – W 3–0
The Cowgirls closed the Invite strong, sweeping Portland in straight sets behind balanced offense and sharper passing.
➡️ Takeaway: Wyoming went 1–2 at the Invite, but two of the losses came in full five-set battles, showing the squad’s fight against competitive mid-major opponents.
🏃 Cross Country – Roy Griak Invitational (St. Paul, MN)
Men’s Team (8k): 2nd of 10
Senior Jacob White became the first Cowboy in program history to win the Roy Griak Invitational, clocking 24:39.8.
Ryker Holtzen wasn’t far behind, finishing 3rd overall at 24:57.6.
Freshman Mathis Chavand added a 6th-place finish, helping Wyoming nearly repeat as champions.
Women’s Team (6k): 7th of 10
The Cowgirls, led by a consistent pack, landed mid-table against a competitive field. Their steady progress shows promise heading into October meets.
🤠 Rodeo – Central Wyoming College Rodeo (Riverton, WY)
The Cowboys and Cowgirls opened another weekend of fall rodeo action in Riverton. With multiple athletes competing in roughstock, timed events, and roping, the meet provides crucial points toward the Central Rocky Mountain Region standings. Full individual and team results will update once finalized.
⛳ Men’s Golf – Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational (Colorado Springs, CO)
Wyoming teed off at Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue Course against a 23-team field that included Air Force, Boise State, Hawaii, Utah State, and others. The three-day event tests consistency across 54 holes, with early play giving Wyoming’s young roster another chance to build experience after last week’s Ram Masters Invite.
🏈 Football – at Colorado (Boulder, CO)
❌ Loss 20–37
The Cowboys wrapped non-conference play at 2–2 after falling on the road against the Buffs in front of a sellout crowd at Folsom Field.
Offense: Wyoming posted 347 total yards (182 passing, 165 rushing). Freshman RB Samuel “Tote” Harris carried the load with a career-high 126 rushing yards.
Defense: The Pokes allowed 497 total yards, including 304 through the air and 193 on the ground.
Coach’s Quote: Jay Sawvel praised his team’s fight, saying: “We could have let go of the rope… instead, with four and a half minutes to go, we’re still in that game. You need a stop, and we didn’t get that stop.”
📅 Up Next
With non-conference play closing and fall schedules heating up, the Cowboys and Cowgirls turn toward the heart of their seasons. Conference showdowns are just around the corner — buckle up, Pokes fans
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