SEA’s Kaitlynne Roling completes a push pass to Yeh-Sun Lee during their home opener on March 21, 2026. Photographer: Henry Jensen
Week 2 put Colorado Alpenglow to the test with a PNW doubleheader. They opened their season with a win in Oregon before falling to a surging Seattle squad in a 2025 third-place game rematch.
Game 1: CO @ OR
Alpenglow Rally Past Soar in Tight Season Opener
Colorado opened their 2026 campaign on the road in Portland, facing an Oregon Soar team eager to secure the first win in franchise history. With both teams navigating early-season roster changes, the matchup delivered stretches of strong, competitive play on both sides
Oregon came out energized in front of their home crowd, generating early pressure and finding success through a mix of patient offense and timely defensive stops. Murl Hammond led the way offensively with 4 goals and 333 receiving yards, anchoring a Soar offense that showed clear growth. OR rookie Emily Pozzy (1G/3A/1B/353Y) dominated on defense with a 71% defensive efficiency and an impressive stat line for while playing only on defense.
While the lead was traded back and forth much of Q1, Oregon came out gunning in Q2, outscoring CO 5-3, taking halftime up 9-7.
Colorado, however, leaned on their experience to settle into the game in the second half and found rhythm behind their core playmakers. Abby Thorpe delivered a historic performance, recording 4 assists and a league-record 452 receiving yards - the highest single-game total in WUL history.
Sarah Itoh added 5 goals to lead all scorers, as Colorado capitalized on key possessions and short-field opportunities to create separation.
While Oregon kept the game competitive throughout, Colorado’s execution in key moments proved decisive. The Alpenglow secured their first win of the season, while Oregon demonstrated continued progress as they build toward the rest of their schedule and hosting Championship Weekend later this year.
Game 2: CO @ SEA
Seattle Stands Tall Against Colorado’s Doubleheader Push
Sunday’s game in Seattle served as a rematch of the 2025 third-place game, with both teams looking to make an early statement.
Colorado came out strong in Q1, narrowly leading 6-5. However, Seattle pressed down on the gas for the remaining quarters and never looked back. Seattle’s ability to generate turns and convert quickly created separation, leading to a decisive 23–14 win.
Seattle’s offensive unit was led by Kaitlynne Roling (6 assists) and Cheryl Hsu (5 assists, 369 throwing yards), who helped orchestrate a steady and efficient attack. Lauren Page added 3 blocks (2 of them on hucks) and 221 receiving yards, contributing to Seattle’s ability to maintain pressure throughout the game.
Despite the result, Colorado saw a historic individual performance from Kennedy McCarthy. McCarthy recorded 3 goals, 4 assists, and 4 blocks—becoming the first player in WUL history to achieve a 3G/4A/4B stat line. Her all-around impact, including a layout Callahan, earned her Week 2 Player of the Week honors.
Colorado’s offense continued to run through 2024 and 2025 OPOTY Ari Nelson, who tallied 6 assists and 410 throwing yards, while 2024 MVP Abby Thorpe added 4 goals and 311 receiving yards to cap an impressive weekend.
Seattle’s complete performance secured a solid point differential, while Colorado left the weekend with a split result and key takeaways heading into the next stretch of the season.