The University of Colorado-Boulder women’s volleyball team assembles before their game against the University of Oregon on Thursday, November 10, 2022. (Lily Wright/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado-Boulder (20-11 overall, 12-8 in Pac-12) beat No. 20 Rice (27-3 overall, 13-1 in C-USA) on Thursday, Dec. 1. I played against First round of the NCAA Tournament in Waco, Texas. This was his first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 in Colorado. Buff eventually succumbed to Rice in his four sets of three losses and one win (26-24, 24-26, 25-16, 25-14).
“Our season was a grind every game,” said head coach Jesse Mahoney. “In our league, every game has been competitive. After this experience, [at the NCAA tournament], many of our players have the opportunity to come back next season. “
The first set of the match took the lead by one point. Colorado and Rice continued trading points until he was tied 9-9 early in the set and the score was 23-23 for him. Owls then conceded a goal on an attacking error and decided a time-out. Following a timeout, Rice’s senior outsider hitter Ellie Bichelmayer scored three kills, giving Rice the lead to win the set 26–24.
The second set was just as competitive as the first. The buff trailed him 5-2 early in the set, but quickly took control. Colorado scored 6 points and led 9-5. Rice responded with his own scoring run, tying the score at 10-10. The Owls began to excel offensively through numerous kills, tying the score again at 21-21 in the final stretch. Then, in the final stretch, following an offensive error by Rice, Colorado was able to take the set with a two-kill by Alumni outside hitter Lexi Hadrich.
In a even match, the teams moved to Set 3. The Owls and Buff traded three-point scoring runs to bring the score closer to 13-13. The buff managed to hold out until midgame, but the momentum stalled. Between Colorado’s offensive error and Rice’s kill, Rice took a 9-point lead at 24–15 from a 10-point scoring run. Colorado tried to retaliate with his 24-16 but quickly made a mistake, giving Rice the final point and the third set.
“We gave them six or seven [in the third set], and our deaths fell apart a little bit,” Mahoney said. “We usually have some really great swings. [would have] I ended up with a score, [Rice] Showed some great defensive play. Then I started to lose my composure and apply a little pressure. I felt like I got my ship back on track in the fourth set, but again my passing broke a bit. “
The final set put pressure on the buffs and they couldn’t handle it. As in the previous set, Colorado tried to establish an early lead. However, Rice made a 3-point scoring run to secure a 7–6 advantage, and from that point on Colorado continued to fall behind. Rice had a 6-point scoring run followed by another 4-point scoring to take a 17–8 lead. Rice scored his five in the end to secure a 23-12 lead and eventually take the set.
“They’re a great team,” said middle blocker Megan Hart. “[Their defense] Stepped up to get some big swings. Knowing you haven’t scored can be frustrating. Defensively, I think it’s speed. “
The Buffs finished with their best record since the 2017 season, when Colorado went 24-10 overall. Colorado also tied for the best conference record (12-8) since joining his Pac-12 12 years ago, finishing fifth.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group of kids,” Mahoney said. “Regardless of the result, one match does not determine me. [even though] We had some tough seasons. They kept grinding and truly was one of the best seasons CU has had in Pac-12 history. They have something to be proud of. We have a lot. “
Please contact CU Independent Staff Writer Malaina Humphreys (malaina.humphreys@colorado.edu).
