Buffs tusk Razorbacks in first home game of season

The Buffs undefeated start has been one of unity, as they've received meaningful contribution from a vast number of players. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (7-0) secured the win by a set score of 3-1 after they wrestled with the Arkansas Razorbacks (1-5) through four sets. 

Colorado junior pin attacker Lily Dwinell secured her 500th career kill and star outside hitter Ana Burlivoić led the game with 20 kills, two aces and four blocks. The Buffs out-scored the Razorbacks in every stat except service errors. They out-aced (9-3), out-hit (52-48), out-dug (48-43) and out-assisted (54-50).

After losing the first set, the momentum shifted towards the Buffs as they took the second set 25-16. CU jumped out to an early lead, and momentum further picked up mid-set when a joust broke out followed by a kill from Buffs’ middle blocker Cayla Payne to extend their advantage 13-5. 

The Colorado defense stayed locked down including an incredible stop from middle blocker Maria Splawska and pin attacker Lily Dwinell.   

“We just realized we needed to be more aggressive,” Burlivoic said of their mindset in the second.  “We realized we can win this game, we just need to put our head in. We don’t need to do anything else, just do what we do best.”

The Buffs took the third set 25-15 with a 33-second volley. However Arkansas clawed back in the fourth set. Both coaches issued a challenge, with Colorado’s over a pancake bump and Arkansas’ over a defensive touch. However, both calls were confirmed and neither team gained any additional advantage. 

The Razorbacks gave their all with two players heading towards the stands and one diving into the chairs. The score was tied at 16 apiece after  Razorbacks’ Sophomore setter Kiki Remensperger performed a setter’s dump. But the Buffs came back with Burlivoić delivering the final kill to win the fourth set 25-22. 

The Buffs are looking optimistic ahead of their next game and are hoping to continue their winning streak. Their next game will be against the Toledo Rockets at 6 p.m. MT (ESPN+).