Burilović’s record-breaking night powers Buffs past Baylor in Halloween showdown

Ana Burilović preparing for a spike amid her record night against Baylor. (Photo by Kekoa Brown/Sko Buffs Sports)

In a spooky Halloween Big 12 match, the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes took on the No. 18 Baylor Bears on Friday at the CU Event Center and defeated them 3-1.

Baylor came out with energy from the bench in the first set and went on an early 2-9 run. After Colorado took a timeout to regroup, it came back with a more competitive drive, but small mistakes led to Baylor taking the first set 25-14. 

“We always start slow,” junior pin attacker Ana Burilović said postgame.

At the start of the second set, Colorado brought more energy and precision. A few out attacks by Baylor and strong kills from Burilović swung the home crowd's momentum and got the Buffs fans on their feet. 

Baylor refused to go quietly and went on a late 3-0 run led by outside hitter Ksenia Rakhmanchik, but pin attacker Sydney Jordon sealed the deal for the Buffs with a strong kill. Colorado took the second set 25-19.

Burilović came alive in the third set with six kills. Alongside strong performances from middle blocker Cayla Payne and setter Rian Finley, the Buffs took the set 25-15. 

Baylor came out with a vengeance in the fourth set and went on a 2-0 run. Baylor received two yellow cards during the fourth set and gave Colorado the fuel they needed to finish strong. The Buffs took the final set 25-20 with a kill by Burilović.

“We have a tough schedule coming up, and we have to pick it up now,” Burilović said about the team’s mindset.

With this game, Burilović broke the record for most career rally score aces with 106.

The Buffs will face the Kansas Jayhawks on Nov. 6 in Lawrence, Kansas (ESPN+).