The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks came into Sunday's matchup riding high, fresh off a successful spring 7s National Championship and hungry to add another title to their trophy case. With their sights set on their first fall 15s championship, the Mavericks welcomed the Air Force Academy to Grand Junction for a matchup against a formidable CRAA Division I opponent.

Mother Nature, however, had other plans.

Just 20 minutes before kickoff, a lightning strike within dangerous proximity forced a 40-minute weather delay. After a brief 15-minute warmup, another strike came nearly simultaneously with the kickoff whistle, sending both teams back off the pitch for another substantial delay.

When play finally resumed, neither side warmed up. Looking to take advantage of a break in the weather, both teams went straight to kickoff, ready to play.

CMU received the opening kick and wasted little time making its presence felt. After a quick series of passes, junior captain Chloe Coop found open space on the far side of the pitch. With a stiff arm and a burst of speed, Coop raced past the defense and touched down just one minute into the match. Freshman Addison Schreuder added the conversion to put the Mavericks ahead 7-0.

The teams traded possession through the next stretch of play before National Champion MVP Kaylee Burns found her opening. Burns powered through the defense with a physical run, breaking into space and extending the Mavericks' lead. Schreuder again converted, giving CMU a 14-0 advantage.

Air Force responded with a defensive breakthrough of its own, capitalizing on an opportunity to cut into the Mavericks' lead.

CMU answered immediately.

The Mavericks' rookies stepped up amid the chaotic conditions, beginning with freshman Caitilyn Williams. Seeing a gap in the middle of the defense, Williams exploded through the heart of the pitch on a massive run. She found the try zone for the first points of her CMU career, marking an impressive debut on the scoreboard.

Schreuder then got in on the action herself. After contributing with tackles and two successful conversions, the freshman added a try to complete an impressive individual performance. Schreuder hauled in an offload on the far side of the pitch before turning on the speed and finishing the run in the try zone.

With the Mavericks building momentum, another lightning strike once again brought play to a halt.

After multiple weather delays and limited time on the pitch, the Air Force Academy ultimately elected to call the match, with cadets needing to return to base.

Despite the unusual circumstances, the Mavericks made the most of the minutes they were given. CMU controlled the controllable, executed when opportunities presented themselves and showcased the depth and athleticism that have fueled the program's championship aspirations. 

The Mavericks now turn their attention to the road, heading to Logan, Utah Saturday to take on Utah State University.

Then comes a matchup the program has been looking forward to all season. The Mavericks return home Sunday, Sept. 27, for their Alumni Weekend matchup against Mines, a game expected to be one of the biggest and most anticipated contests of the season.

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