The Colorado Buffaloes put on an unforgettable show on November 13, defeating the 16th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs in a thrilling five-set match. The final scores were 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 29-27, and 19-17. This match marked the Buffs’ fourth victory against a ranked opponent this season, enhancing their record to 21-5 overall and 11-3 in the Big 12 conference.
This game was a real rollercoaster. Colorado struggled early, falling behind 2-1, but they made a fantastic comeback in the last two sets, which both went into extra points. The match was full of tension, with 42 ties and 18 lead changes, showcasing the high stakes and competition.
Senior setter Rian Finley made history by reaching 1,000 career assists, becoming the 15th player in the program’s history to achieve this milestone. She ended the match with an impressive 50 assists, along with nine digs and three aces.
Head coach Jesse Mahoney reflected on the game, saying, “This is the tale of two matches. We started strong but struggled in the middle sets. Our players really pulled it together in the end. We just kept doing the right things, and it paid off.”
The stats tell the story. Colorado outperformed TCU in several key areas, recording 64 kills compared to TCU’s 57, and they also surpassed them in assists, aces, and digs. Notably, they held TCU to a hitting percentage of .180 or lower in three of the five sets.
Star Performers:
- Rian Finley: Recorded 50 assists, 9 digs, 3 aces, and 2 blocks.
- Ana Burilovic: Led the match with 24 kills and added 11 digs for her fourth double-double of the season.
- Lily Dwinell: Earned her first career double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs.
- Sydney Jordan: Contributed 12 kills and 8 digs.
So what does this win mean for the rest of the season? With this victory, Colorado has solidified its position in the Big 12. They’ve remained undefeated in five-set matches, showcasing their resilience and skill under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Buffs will face another ranked opponent, No. 8 Arizona State, on November 15. This upcoming match will test their strategy and teamwork, especially after the emotional victory against TCU.
Insightful Takeaways:
- The Buffaloes’ ability to recover from early setbacks speaks volumes about their character. In sports, mental toughness is as crucial as physical skill. In fact, recent studies suggest that athletes who exhibit strong resilience not only perform better but also report higher levels of satisfaction in their sports careers.
“Knowing how to shake off mistakes can be the difference between winning and losing,” notes sports psychologist Dr. Lisa Meyer. “This match is a great example of that.”
Friday’s match against Arizona State will be streamed on ESPN+, allowing fans to see if Colorado can continue their remarkable run against ranked teams. For more updates, you can follow the Colorado women’s volleyball team on their official website.
