Colorado volleyball falls out of Top 25, looks to rebound in final stretch
The Colorado Buffaloes volleyball team fell out of the AVCA rankings for the first time this season, receiving only 88 votes in the latest poll and finishing just outside the top 25.
The Buffs faced one of the toughest schedules to start Big 12 play, with six of eight games on the road and four opponents ranked in the top 25. Colorado split the difference, winning four of those games, including over No. 21 Baylor. The Buffs fell to three ranked opponents: No. 9 TCU, No. 11 ASU and No. 11 BYU.
They lost only to ranked teams, and all those losses came on the road in hostile environments. The Buffs grabbed a set or two in those games, putting up good fights powered by their strong defense.
Colorado’s strong start to the season helped establish the Buffs as a top-25 team, but their 4-and-4 start to Big 12 play made it hard to maintain that ranking. Despite a ranked win over Baylor, Colorado’s three losses to top-25 opponents limited its ability to improve its position in the poll.
The Buffs still rely on their defense, leading the Big 12 in blocks per set at 3.01 and ranking fifth nationally. Junior middle blocker Maria Splawska ranks second in the Big 12 in blocks, with three solo blocks and 43 block assists this season.
Colorado also has senior setter Jenna Ylivainio, who ranks fifth in the Big 12 in assists with 333 (9.25 per set). The Buffs have also been strong from the service line, with sophomore pin hitter Ines Losada ranking third in the Big 12 with 16 aces in conference play.
The Buffs also rely on star senior pin hitter Ana Burilovic, who leads the team in most scoring categories and ranks in two top-10 categories in the Big 12. She ranks seventh in the Big 12 in kills at 281 and fifth in points per set at 4.78, for a total of 178.
Colorado will play the last five of its eight games at the CU Events Center, welcoming three top-25 opponents: No. 9 BYU, No. 15 Kansas, and No. 24 Baylor. If the Buffs beat these three teams at home, they would make a strong case to the committee for a higher seed in the NCAA tournament.
Even though the Buffs fell out of the top 25, that doesn’t erase what they have accomplished this season. Their defensive identity remains one of their biggest strengths. Colorado's presence at the net forces opposing hitters to adjust their attacks, giving the Buffs chances to extend rallies and create their own scoring opportunities.
The Buffs have shown they can dance with the top teams in the Big 12; now it's time to prove it.
Comments