UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament, falling in a decisive three-game sweep on December 5, 2025, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.
In a match that started with promise, the Buffs quickly lost momentum, ultimately losing 25-20, 25-17, 25-23. This loss ends Colorado’s season, cutting short their hopes of reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
The 15th-ranked Hoosiers, now advancing to the Sweet 16 with a record of 25-7, took control with impressive plays from key players. Candela Alonso-Corcelles led Indiana with 16 kills and a striking .556 hitting percentage. Freshman sensation Jaidyn Jager contributed 15 kills, showcasing the Hoosiers’ offensive strength.
The Buffaloes, ranked 24th and seeded fifth, had their standout player in Ana Burilovic, who delivered 19 kills but couldn’t spark a comeback in pivotal moments. Coach Jesse Mahoney expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, stating, “We made some errors at inopportune times, and Indiana made great plays when it mattered.”
Colorado started the match strong, leading 6-2 and 9-5 in the first set, but Indiana quickly countered, tying the set at 11-11 and never looking back. The second set saw the Buffs briefly regain the lead at 10-9, but Indiana answered with a decisive 5-1 run.
The third set appeared to be in Colorado’s favor, with a 22-17 lead; however, the Hoosiers staged a dramatic comeback, closing the match on an 8-1 run. “The crowd was good, and I think they fed off that,” Mahoney noted, reflecting on the challenging atmosphere for his players.
For senior Sarah Morton, the match was particularly poignant, as she played in her home state. “I’m playing in my home state, but obviously, ‘Go Colorado’ for the rest of my life,” she said, highlighting the bittersweet end to her collegiate career.
Despite the disappointing finish, both Morton and Mahoney emphasized the team’s significant progress compared to last season, where they finished 13-17. “They decided they were going to make a change and get better, and I’m proud of them for accomplishing that goal,” Mahoney reflected.
As the season concludes, the Buffs’ resilience and growth are evident, despite the heartache of this elimination. With a bright future ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how they build on this season in the coming year.
FINAL SCORE: Indiana 3, Colorado 0
Set Scores: 25-20, 25-17, 25-23
