CU Buffs Volleyball Upsets No. 14 BYU, Ends Losing Streak

The Colorado Buffaloes volleyball team achieved a significant victory on September 28, 2023, by defeating the No. 14 BYU Cougars in Provo, Utah. This win marked a pivotal moment for the Buffs as they opened their Big 12 Conference play, taking the match in four sets with scores of 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, and 25-21. The triumph ended a challenging 10-game losing streak against ranked teams, boosting their record to 10-2 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12.

After a disappointing performance in their previous rivalry match against Colorado State, where they suffered two losses, the Buffaloes rebounded impressively. They started strong, taking a 5-1 lead in the opening set and extending it with an 8-1 run that overwhelmed the Cougars. In the second set, Colorado broke a 22-22 tie by scoring two consecutive points to secure a commanding 2-0 set lead.

The Cougars fought back in the third set, rallying to erase a 23-22 deficit with three consecutive points. However, the Buffaloes responded with determination in the fourth set, scoring four straight points to pull away and clinch the match.

CU demonstrated remarkable efficiency throughout the match, achieving a hitting percentage of .328 while limiting BYU to .185. Leading the charge for Colorado was Ana Burilovic, who recorded 22 kills. Cayla Payne contributed with nine kills and five blocks, while setter Rian Finley facilitated the attack with 47 assists. Additionally, Lily Dwinell and Sydney Jordan added to the offensive effort with 10 and nine kills, respectively.

In a post-match statement, Jesse Mahoney, head coach of the Buffaloes, expressed pride in his team’s performance. “Huge win. I’m really proud of the team,” he said. “(We) came in after losing two in a row – we had a great week of practice, we’ve been really focused in on this team and executed a really good game plan.”

Looking ahead, the Buffaloes will continue their challenging Big 12-opening road trip with a match against No. 23 Utah on September 30, 2023, at 1 p.m. MT. The upcoming game presents another opportunity for Colorado to build on their newfound momentum and secure additional victories in the conference.

With this win against BYU, the Buffaloes not only improve their standing in the Big 12 but also gain confidence as they face ranked opponents. The team’s performance serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.