In a remarkable start to their season, the University of Colorado (CU) women's basketball team has climbed to the top of the rankings, securing a place in the top five in the latest Associated Press (AP) poll. With a perfect 3-0 record, the Buffaloes find themselves in the top five for the first time since the 1994-95 regular season, when they finished as No. 2.

Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, CU head coach JR Payne stated, "We are very honored to be ranked in the top five and appreciate the voters' confidence in us." Payne also emphasized the team's commitment to continuous improvement, saying, "Our team will just continue to work in the exact same fashion we always do... trying to be excellent today."

The Buffaloes' impressive performance this season follows their Sweet 16 appearance last year. The team kicked off its campaign with a commanding 92-78 victory over preseason No. 1 and defending champion, LSU, on November 6th in Las Vegas. The Tigers, in turn, fell to seventh place in the latest rankings.

CU continued its dominant streak with a resounding 97-38 win against Le Moyne and a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Oklahoma State, ending with a score of 86-75. These performances ensured a perfect opening week for the Buffaloes.

It's worth noting that this is only the fourth time in the history of CU women's basketball that the team has reached the top five of the AP poll. The previous occurrences were during the consecutive seasons of 1992-93, 1993-94, and 1994-95. Those teams were guided by current Buffs assistant coach Shelley Sheetz, who was a standout All-American point guard for CU during that period.

One of the standout players for the Buffaloes this season has been Sara-Rose Smith. Coming off the bench, Smith, known for her scrappy and versatile play, demonstrated her value to the team in the game against Oklahoma State. Despite being relatively new to the CU system, Smith made a significant impact, contributing five points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot in 25 minutes on the court.

Payne praised Smith's efforts, stating, "Sara's really new in our system... she recognizes right now this is the one thing I can do to really help our team." Smith's contribution and relentless work ethic have made her a game-changer for the Buffaloes, strengthening their performances.

In addition to Smith's impactful presence, senior center Quay Miller showcased her resilience and determination in the face of a challenging start to the season. Despite struggling with her shooting in the first few games, Miller found her rhythm against Oklahoma State, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Her performance played a crucial role in the Buffaloes' rally and eventual victory.

The Buffaloes' success in their opening week has been characterized by strong team play. With 20-plus assists in all three games, CU has displayed their ability to share the ball effectively. This marks the first time the team has achieved this feat since November 2007. Furthermore, the Buffaloes have scored 85 points or more in three consecutive games, a feat they hadn't accomplished since November 2014.

As the Buffaloes continue to build on their early success, there is growing excitement and optimism surrounding the team's potential this season. With their commitment to daily excellence and dedication to improvement, CU aims to maintain their impressive standing and continue their rise in the rankings.

In a season that has already yielded significant achievements, the Buffaloes' strong start positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of women's college basketball.