GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Behind a second-half equalizer from Abby Menk and a strong defensive effort, the Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colorado Mesa University Sunday afternoon in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action at Community Hospital Unity Field.
With the result, the ThunderWolves move to 3-9-3 overall and 1-6-2 in conference play, while Colorado Mesa moves to 9-3-2 overall and 7-1-1 in the RMAC.
Menk provided the equalizer in the 64th minute, scoring her third goal of the season off an assist from Ruthie Landwehr to help the Pack secure a valuable road point against one of the top teams in the conference.
"I am very proud of our group," CSU Pueblo Head Coach John Constable said. "We battled and gave it our all against a very good team. It potentially could turn out to be an important point at the end of the season but only if we start digging out wins in the games coming up. We will take the momentum from today in to next weekend. It will be nice to play at home!"
The Mavericks controlled much of the offensive possession in the opening half, outshooting the ThunderWolves 12-2 and earning seven corner kicks. However, CSU Pueblo's defense stood tall behind goalkeeper Ella Bulfer, who recorded three first-half saves to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Colorado Mesa nearly broke through in the seventh minute when Angelina Kazinec sent an attempt off the crossbar. Bulfer later turned away opportunities from Coral Turner and Shelby Lyon to preserve the scoreless tie.
The ThunderWolves generated their first scoring opportunities in the 31st minute, as Solange Depirou registered a shot before Menk followed with an attempt on goal that was saved by Colorado Mesa goalkeeper Keely Wieczorek.
Following the scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Mavericks wasted little time finding the back of the net in the second half.
Olivia Bariao-Arce broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, scoring her fourth goal of the season at the 47:14 mark to give Colorado Mesa a 1-0 advantage.
Despite falling behind, the ThunderWolves continued to battle and began generating offensive opportunities. Madi Reardon put an attempt on frame in the 56th minute before sending another shot wide in the 58th minute.
CSU Pueblo's persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Menk found the back of the net at the 63:32 mark. Landwehr was credited with the assist on the play, helping the ThunderWolves pull even at 1-1 with just over 26 minutes remaining in regulation.
The Pack's defense held firm over the closing minutes, keeping the Mavericks off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest to preserve the draw.
Colorado Mesa finished the afternoon with a 28-6 advantage in total shots, including a 5-3 edge in shots on goal. The Mavericks also held a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Bulfer played all 90 minutes between the posts for CSU Pueblo, finishing with four saves while allowing just one goal.
Offensively, Menk and Reardon paced the ThunderWolves with two shots apiece, while Depirou and Maya Bethelmie each added one attempt. Menk placed both of her shots on goal, while Reardon recorded one shot on target.
For Colorado Mesa, Bariao-Arce led the Mavericks with five shots and the team's lone goal, while Parker Mairs added four attempts. Wieczorek finished with two saves in goal for the Mavericks.
Up Next
CSU Pueblo returns home to Art & Lorraine Gonzales Stadium for its final homestand of the 2026 regular season next weekend.
The ThunderWolves open the homestand on Friday, Oct. 23, against Adams State for Parent's/Camper Appreciation Night, before closing the weekend on Sunday, Oct. 25, against New Mexico Highlands for Senior Day, where the program will recognize its senior student-athletes.
Both matches will mark the Pack's final regular-season home appearances of the year.
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