TEMPE, AZ – Coming off a win on Wednesday against the Arizona Wildcats, the Colorado Buffaloes (10-8, Big 12 3-3) were confident going into Friday night's matchup against the No. 13 Arizona State Sun Devils (17-2, Big 12 6-1).
Early in the game, the Sun Devils took the first set with a narrow 25-22 win. ASU’s Shania Cromartie got off to a hot start as the outside hitter was capitalizing on all cylinders. The Buffaloes were targeting Cromartie to begin the matchup but ultimately couldn’t contain her intense attacking power. Still, both squads were having a tough time getting the ball over the net, with a plethora of service errors.
During the second set, ASU began to stun the Buffaloes, hitting their weak points in digging up the volleyball. The set began with a back-and-forth battle for the lead, bouncing between kills. Colorado hung in the set for a while, until ASU went on a 7-0 run and took charge. The Sun Devils took set two, 25-16, and effortlessly at that. The Buffaloes tried to gather up digs from ASU’s monstrous spikes, but ultimately fell short in a set that needed momentum.
In the third and final set, Arizona State put the pedal to the metal and finished off the Buffaloes, being active on the blocks and communicating efficiently. Colorado couldn’t help but watch the Sun Devils conjure up a 9-0 run, beginning the match with an exclamation mark, going up 15-5.
Then, just when it seemed as if it were over, Colorado made a comeback, finding themselves only behind 22-18. Ultimately, it was too late for the Buffs, when ASU finalized the contest, taking the matchup three sets to zero. The third set closed out 25-21, ASU.
Taylor Simpson stood out for the Buffaloes, attaining 23 assists, eight digs and an additional ace.
“Managing our swings and tiring them out,” was the biggest key to victory according to ASU’s head coach Geli Cyr, who spoke during a post-game interview.
While this wasn’t the best outing for CU, the Buffs will have many opportunities to make a statement in the future. With daunting opponents such as BYU, TCU and Baylor, the Buffaloes look to lock in.
The Buffs return home next Wednesday to play the West Virginia Mountaineers (7-11, Big 12 1-6) at 7 p.m. (ESPN+).
Cover photo by Aspen Doust
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