Aided by standout sophomore outside hitters Ana Burilović and Sydney Jordan, the Colorado women’s volleyball team (4-1) earned a 3-0 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs (2-3) in the second round of the Buffs Classic tournament.
The Buffaloes started with a strong first set and that momentum continued throughout the game. Colorado aced the first set, a hint of what was to come. Then, Fresno State returned and scored on the next point. This volley continued for several points as Colorado and Fresno State stayed neck and neck until the Buffaloes pulled out with a 15-9 point advantage. This lead continued as Colorado ended up winning the first set, 25-17.
“Momentum” was the word of the game as the Buffaloes earned the first point of the second set. Colorado and Fresno State stayed within a few points of each other with great volleys throughout the game. By their 11th point, the Buffaloes were up 11-10 and Colorado rode this momentum. The Buffs hit a winning streak, eventually running it up 20-10, double the score of Fresno State, towards the end of the set. Even though Fresno State was able to pull out a few more points, Colorado ended the set, 25-15.
Moving into the third set, the Buffaloes seemed to be unstoppable, however, this final set proved to be the most difficult.
“Two-thirds of that match was really well done,” CU head coach Jesse Mahoney said. “In the third set, they moved their lineup a little bit and it became a bit more challenging set.”
The tension in the final set was palpable, especially in the last few points. After an intense volley and a point to Fresno State, the game was 24-23. Jordan scored the final point of the match and the Colorado Buffaloes took home the win as they ended the final set, 25-23. Jordan was a standout player this game, leading the team in kills.
“I feel good about this weekend,” Jordan said. “I feel good about what our team did this weekend but I want to add something new to my game every single day.”
Burilović was another key player, achieving a career-high of six aces. Burilović also seconded Jordan in kills with 11 total.
“I always think I can do more but I’m happy and I hope to break that record soon,” Burilović said of the stat.
The Buffaloes will compete again against the Washington Huskies (4-0) on Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m. MT. The event will take place at the CU Events Center and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
“We know Washington is a good team but so are we,” Jordan said.
Cover photo Cogen Nguyen/Sko Buffs Sports
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