The Colorado volleyball team pulled off a thrilling victory against UCF, winning a nail-biter in five sets (21-25, 30-32, 25-17, 25-23, 22-20) at CU Events Center. With this win, they improved to 12-2 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12, while UCF fell to 10-4 and 1-2 in the conference.
This match marked a significant test for the Buffaloes, featuring two sets that went to deuce. Junior Ana Burilovic was the standout player, racking up a career-high 32 kills. Sydney Jordan also shone, achieving her second double-double of the season.
Head coach Jesse Mahoney praised both teams for their effort. He noted, “It really just came down to one play here or there. Happy to get out with a win, but we need to prepare for another strong opponent this Saturday.”
The Buffs excelled in blocking (17-15) and serving aces (9-6), while they held UCF to a hitting percentage of just .143 in the crucial fourth set.
Burilovic, reflecting on her performance, said, “I try to stay calm. I think about how we can win the next point.” Her hard work paid off; she became the first player to achieve over 30 kills in a single match for Colorado since Taylor Simpson did it in 2014.
Jordan matched her career-high of 18 kills and added 18 digs, while Sarah Morton contributed significantly with 17 digs.
Compared to previous seasons, the Buffs seem to have improved significantly in their ability to dig deep during tough matches. Statistics indicate that teams performing well in five-set matches show better playoff readiness, so this victory could bode well for their future.
As fans celebrated, reactions on social media were buzzing, with many praising Burilovic’s standout performance and the team’s resilience. This camaraderie has become integral to the team’s identity. Morton highlighted the mindset needed to thrive under pressure: “Pressure is a privilege. As long as we fight as hard as we can, that’s all that matters.”
Next, the Buffaloes face Houston on Saturday at 1 p.m. MT, looking to build on this momentum. The excitement for this season is palpable among fans, who eagerly follow the team’s journey both online and at the CU Events Center.
For more details, you can check the official CUBuffs website and stay connected with the team’s social media channels for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
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