Burilović doubles up: National and Big 12 honors for Buffs’ offensive star

Colorado Buffaloes junior Ana Burilovic has emerged as one of the nation's elite outside hitters, winning her second Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball junior outside hitter Ana Burilović received two honors earlier today: American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Player of the Week and Big-12 Offensive Player of the Week.

The Split, Croatia native aided in both of the wins this past weekend, as against the No. 14 BYU Cougars, she recorded 22 kills, seven digs, four digs and one block. Against the No. 23 Utah Utes, she recorded 19 kills, eight digs, three aces and one solo block. 

This marks the eighth time a Buff has won a national player of the week award. The award has only been won by a Buffalo twice, outside hitter Taylor Simpson, on Nov. 5 and 19 last season.

Last week, Burilović recorded the most kills nationally per set with an average of 5.86. In the Big 12, she currently leads in kills (4.83 avg/s) and points (5.74 avg/s). 

Burilović’s offensive stardom for the Buffaloes is self-explanatory. In her career in the black and gold, she has reached 497 kills, 67 aces, 310 digs, 52 blocks and has 593 points. 

The Buffs open their conference home slate at the CU Events Center on Thursday at 7 p.m. MT against the UCF Knights, then on Saturday at 1 p.m. MT against the Houston Cougars. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.