CU bounces back, takes down Utah Utes in four sets

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball celebrates during its four-set win over Utah on Wednesday. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

No. 24-ranked Colorado Buffaloes volleyball beat the Utah Utes, winning three of the four sets they played, on Wednesday night at the CU Events Center. 

Ana Burilovic was once again greatly contributing throughout the match, laying 20 of CU’s 56 kills. It was her seventh match of 20 or more kills this season. 

“Every match in this league is going to be a fight. I think we know that now, so happy to get the win, and ready for the next one,” head coach Jesse Mahoney said after the game. “This season, more than the last couple seasons, they're really good at making changes where changes need to be made.”

 The first set got off to a rough start, as the Buffs (15-3, 6-1 Big 12) fell behind after the first few minutes. It wound up as the quickest out of the four, with the Buffs losing 15-25. The Utes’ bench kept warm on the sidelines with creative celebrations to cheer on its team. 

The second set was more competitive as the Buffs stepped up their game and started with a lead. Utah kept close behind and gave Colorado a run for its money. It was neck and neck, the Buffs just barely snagged the two points they needed to take the set 29-27.

The Buffs started to give themselves a score barrier in the third set, not falling behind the Utes (9-8, 1-5 Big 12) once. The set also brought more flow, as CU moved with precision, executing spikes and blocks and making it look effortless. Colorado took the third set 25-21.

The fourth set brought a less competitive energy. The Utes were still driving hard, but the Buffs were matching it with perceived ease. The Utes struggled to keep up, as the last few points brought fans to their feet as they cheered the Buffs to a victory, winning the set 25-19, and the match 3-1. 

Colorado returns against the West Virginia Mountaineers (13-4, 1-4 Big 12) on Saturday in Boulder at noon MT (ESPN+).