Buffs outlast UC Irvine in five sets to win Anteater Classic

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball celebrates a point in the first set of its resilient win over UC Irvine on Saturday. (Photo via CUBuffs.com)

]he Colorado Buffaloes (6-0) remained undefeated after a thrilling five-set match against the UC Irvine Anteaters on Saturday night, claiming the Anteater Classic title and continuing their historic start. 

Colorado entered this match having not dropped a set all season, but that streak came to an end against the Anteaters.

The opening set belonged to the Buffaloes, as Maria Splawska delivered the first kill of the set with help from setter Rian Finley, sparking a 3-0 run. With steady play at the net and controlled passing, the Buffs set the tempo and pulled away for a decisive 25-15 win.

UC Irvine responded in the second, piecing together a 6-0 run. The Buffaloes tried to claw back, but the Anteaters closed on an 8-2 run to take the second set with a score of 25-19, handing  CU its first set loss of the season.

The third set proved to be the turning point of the match. Neither team found breathing room, but midway through, Irvine used a 5-2 run capped by a kill from outside hitter Lois Hansen to grab control. The Anteaters built on that momentum with another extended run and closed out the set 25-16, making the score 2-1.

The Buffs answered with composure in the fourth set. Sydney Jordan’s serve fueled a quick 3-0 start, and another run forced coach Ashlie Hain to call a timeout. Colorado never let up, dominating from the service line and net to claim the fourth set with a score of 25-13. 

In the final set, CU didn't let that momentum slip. They raced out to a 4-1 lead and then widened the gap to 11-6. The Buffaloes maintained control until closing it out 15-9, securing both the match and the tournament crown.

"I'm happy to get the win. I knew Irvine was going to be a tough test, especially on its home floor," head coach Jesse Mahoney said. "A little bit of an uneven performance for us … It was good for us to be tested, have to respond, and I think we did a really good job of responding."

Ana Burilović led the Buffs with 20 kills, while Finley directed the offense with 52 assists. Colorado finished with a .273 hitting percentage while Irvine had a .223 hitting percentage. The Buffaloes showed the efficiency needed to withstand the Anteaters’ pressure and extend their perfect start 6-0.

The Buffaloes play their first home game against the Arkansas Razorbacks (1-3) in the Buffs Invitational on Friday at 6 p.m. MT.