Buffs wrap up season with loss to Houston

Senior Taylor Simpson (right) leaves behind a legacy in Boulder as she wrapped up her career on Senior Day Saturday. Despite not being able to get the win, Simpson recorded five digs in her final game for the black and gold. (Photo via Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (13-17, 6-12 Big 12) ended their 2024 season with a 3-0 defeat to the Houston Cougars (12-16, 7-11 Big 12) on Saturday. The Buffs played hard, but Houston proved too much, winning the match 25-13, 25-15, 25-19.

Colorado struggled from the start of the first set, falling behind early as Houston scored multiple points in a row. The Buffs kept fighting, with sophomore Ana Burilovic contributing a few key plays, but they couldn’t recover and lost the set 25-13.

The second set started with Colorado within reach for a while thanks to kills from sophomore Lily Dwinell, Burilovic and senior Taylor Simpson. However, Houston's offensive consistency helped them take the set 25-15.

In the third set, Colorado took an early lead, but Houston quickly answered back by going on a 5-0 run to take control. The Buffs continued to battle with some strong kills from Burilovic and Dwinell, but the Cougars finished strong, winning the set 25-19.

Even though Colorado lost, they out-dug Houston 41 to 37, with Burilovic and junior Sarah Morton recording double-digit digs. This marks the end of the regular season as the Buffs will now train for their spring scrimmages in 2025.

The Buffs now have a 152-166 record all-time in Big 12 play. For Simpson, the setter ends her career in Boulder with 3,060 assists and 593 digs. Her contributions and leadership will leave big shoes to fill for Colorado next year.