Thrilling Match: Buffs Face Defeat Against Rams in Four Sets – University of Colorado Athletics

The Colorado volleyball team faced off against Colorado State on September 19, losing in a tough four-set match—25-11, 21-25, 21-25, 24-26. This was part of the Battle for the Golden Spike, where the Buffaloes started strong but couldn’t secure the win.

Head coach Jesse Mahoney viewed the match positively, especially how well the team began. “Great energy and execution early on,” he noted. However, slight lapses in execution during crucial moments cost them the match.

Despite the loss, the Buffaloes outperformed CSU in several areas: they had more kills (50 to 49), digs (57 to 53), assists (46 to 43), and aces (9 to 7). They even restricted the Rams to a hitting percentage of .000 in the first set, showcasing their defensive strength.

Key Players:

• Ana Burilovic: Led the team with 22 kills and contributed defensively with four digs.
• Rian Finley: Recorded 41 assists and helped with both offense and defense.
• Sarah Morton: Dominated in digs with 19.
• Sydney Jordan: Added eight digs, seven kills, and three aces.
• Cayla Payne: Contributed with seven kills and four blocks.

How the Match Unfolded:

The Buffaloes roared off the blocks, leading comfortably in the first set. However, their performance slipped in the following sets, where they faced challenges from Colorado State. Even after tying the fourth set late on, Colorado couldn’t finish strong, allowing the Rams to claim victory.

Looking Ahead

The Buffaloes are set to open conference play against BYU and Utah next week. The Cougars match is on September 25, with the Utes following two days later. Fans can catch the action streamed on ESPN+.

Historically, Colorado has struggled against CSU, with a record of 19-30. This latest loss marks the Buffaloes’ first 3-1 defeat this season, but they remain optimistic and eager to improve.

In today’s fast-paced sports world, every match offers lessons. With their impressive stats and determination, the Buffaloes are poised for a strong season ahead. For more details on the team’s schedule and updates, check CUBuffs.com.

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