The Buffs sweep Matadors in home and season opener

In their season opener, the Buffaloes swept the CSUN Matadors in straight sets. (Photo by Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports)

Last season’s success carried into this one. 

The No. 23-ranked Colorado Buffaloes welcomed the California State University Northridge Matadors in their home opener. Their matchup is the first in more than 20 years and opens the 2026 Buffs Classic Tournament. 

Over the course of the match, the Black and Gold rallied 109 total attacks, 32 kills, 21 attack errors, a hitting percentage of only .103, three service aces, 46 digs and seven blocks.

CSUN put up a fair fight, totaling 109 attacks, 37 kills, 17 attack errors, a hitting percentage of .183, five service aces, 43 digs and 11 blocks.

With new and old talent taking the CU Events Center court, the Buffs oled the Matadors, winning the first set 25-19.

Although a tad rusty from the summer hiatus, the Buffs put the game away with the help of a new libero and setter. International students Tinons Munar Galmes and Jenna Ylivainio hit the court for the first time as Buffs, and were able to steal the first set comfortably.

“There’s obviously a few new people, but I think we know how to communicate with each other. Especially our new setter, Jenna [Yilvainio], she’s great,” senior middle blocker Cayla Payne said. “She responds really well to us. She definitely knows what to change, and we can be super open with her.”

The Matadors, however, were not willing to hang their capes just yet. Headed into the second set, the Matadors kept the Buffs leading by only a few points. It wasn’t until CSUN called a timeout that the Buffs put their horns down and pulled away from the Matadors (12-8). 

Even with the Buffs coming out strong, Spanish sophomore Ines Losada was continuously shut down by the Matadors. Losada struggled against CSUN’s defense against her left slot kills. Although a few players struggled to shed their preseason routines, Colorado continued to pull away from the Matadors, closing the second set 25-18.

While the communication on court got messy at times, senior pin attacker Ana Burilovic thinks it could be a blessing in disguise.

Senior pin attacker Ana Burilovic was named to Big 12's preseason first team. (Photo by Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports)

“International volleyball is so different with the rules and the attacks. But I get to see we’re all learning each other’s moves and we’re adopting that,” Burilović said. “I think that’s going to be very beneficial not just in non-conference play, but conference play too.”

The Buffaloes' stamina slowed heading into the third set. Although only trailing by one or two points, the Matadors continuously provided kill after kill on the Black and Gold. It didn’t take long for the Buffaloes to make a quick turnaround, forcing CSUN to take yet another timeout. 

As tension slowly crept back in, a fiery kill from Colorado freshman Barbora Rakauskait rejuvenated the crowd and the team’s energy, keeping the sweep alive (12-9). As the Buffs struggled to put the set to bed, Burolivić crushed the Matadors' confidence and put the Buffs into match point. 

The Buffs ended the first day of the Buffs Classic Tournament with a sweep against the CSUN Matadors (3-0).

The Black and Gold continue their Buffs Classic Tournament tomorrow against the Central Arkansas Bears at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)