Big 12 to Big Time: CU Buffs volleyball’s redemption era

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball has looked much improved this season, many thanks to Ana Burilovic (#11). (Photo by Tyler Phillips/Sko Buffs Sports)

Last season was the Colorado Buffaloes’ first year in the Big 12, which came with some difficulties along the way. Colorado ended its season with a disappointing 13-17 record while obtaining a 6-12 conference record. 

Fast forward one year, and the Buffaloes have flipped the script to become the top seed in the Big 12 entering the eighth week of the season. On Monday, they reached the AVCA Top 25 for the first time in four years at No. 24.

Most of last season’s problems dealt with miscommunication and service errors, but with many new faces, it can be hard to mesh into a well-organised team. 

All around, hitting and defense factored into what went wrong. Although pin attacker Ana Burilović led in points while averaging 4.92 kills per set, CU’s capability of matching the level of other Big 12 opponents wasn’t up to par.

Heading into the 2025 season, there were 10 returners on the roster and five newcomers. This squad went through some ups and downs last season, which allowed chemistry and grit to build over time. Burilović, Sydney Jordan and Sarah Morton are the top returners from last season and have each looked much-improved.

Burilović continues to be her stellar self, showcasing her hitting talents with several awards and leading the Big 12 in points. Alongside her, junior pin attacker Sydney Jordan and senior libero/defensive specialist Sarah Morton have brought the momentum of the 13-2 start. 

Junior Colorado pin attacker Ana Burilovic has risen to the occasion in 2025, becoming a true difference-maker for the Buffaloes. (Photo by Kekoa Brown/Sko Buffs Sports)

Morton has recorded 182 digs this season with 15 games left, compared to 350 last season. Jordan and Burilović combined had a total of 321 kills.

Cleaning up errors has been another major reason for improvement, as Colorado had 602 in 2024 compared to 329 as of Oct. 7. 

“Our passing has gotten much better, and we execute our system much better,” middle blocker Maria Splawska said after a win over Houston on Saturday. 

For a team that was struggling defensively, the coaching staff was able to get junior backrow defender Peyton Neal, a transfer from the Marshall Thundering Herd. Neal, alongside Morton, has brought a big presence onto the court as the duo has combined for 307 digs this season. 

Colorado paces the Big 12 in service aces per set at 1.92. Last season, serving wasn’t its outlook of success, as they obtained a service ace only 1.47 times per set. Hitting percentages were a bit on the middle ground as they hit .203, where currently they are hitting at .260. 

“I think when we are on, we can be a really excellent serving team, we’ve been resilient and had some opportunities to fold that we haven’t taken,” head coach Jesse Mahoney said on Saturday.

Colorado Buffaloes coach Jesse Mahoney has had a season to be proud of, leading his program back into the top 25 for the first time in four years. (Tyler Phillips/Sko Buffs Sports)

From the back row crew to the monstrous front court of Jordan, Cayla Payne and Burilović, the Buffaloes’ chemistry is over the top. The black and gold continue to play like the Big 12’s best team from the showcase of perseverance involved with every single play.

Just one question remains: Will the Buffaloes' streak continue?

Teams such as Cincinnati and Arizona State are real testaments to whether the Buffs are the queen bees of the Big 12. The Sun Devils are right above CU when it comes to hitting percentages at .157, and the Bearcats are averaging 1.24 opponent blocks per set. 

If the Buffs’ defense can cover all spots of the court against these more dominant offensive teams, they will solidify their case for the top seed of the Big 12.

It’s still early, but this season is still something to look positively upon, as their number of conference wins already matches their total from 2024.

Holding a 4-0 conference record, Colorado continues to battle the Big 12 this week in Tucson to face the Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday at 7 P.M. MT and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Friday at 8 p.m. MT. Both of these games will be streamed on ESPN+.