UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes volleyball team faced a devastating defeat against the Indiana Hoosiers, falling 3-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on December 5, 2025, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.
In a match marked by missed opportunities, the 24th-ranked Buffaloes could not keep pace with the host team, ranked 15th. The Hoosiers clinched their spot in the Sweet 16 with set scores of 25-20, 25-17, 25-23, ending Colorado’s season prematurely.
Coach Jesse Mahoney acknowledged the need for a stellar performance to advance, stating, “We made some errors at inopportune times, and Indiana definitely made great plays when it mattered.” Colorado, making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022, fell short of reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
The Hoosiers, now 25-7 on the season, displayed impressive skills, with Candela Alonso-Corcelles leading the charge with 16 kills and a remarkable .556 hitting percentage. Freshman Jaidyn Jager added 15 kills to the mix, contributing to Indiana’s overall hitting percentage of .378, compared to Colorado’s .208.
Despite a promising start, where the Buffs led 9-5 in the first set, they could not maintain their momentum. Indiana rallied back, taking control and never looking back. CU’s Ana Burilovic led her team with 19 kills, but the lack of support from other players stifled their chances. Sydney Jordan and Cayla Payne contributed 7 kills each.
“Our team put up a fight till the very end,” said senior Sarah Morton, whose bittersweet return to her home state ended in disappointment. “I’m proud of this team and proud of who we are as individuals.”
Morton, who hails from Munster, Indiana, expressed mixed feelings about playing in front of family and friends, stating, “It was great to see familiar faces, but I will always cheer for Colorado.”
Looking ahead, Mahoney emphasized that the Buffaloes’ journey this season, marked by overcoming a 13-17 record last year, has set the stage for future success. “Going through a season like this is going to be a learning experience for us, and I fully expect us to be a better team next year,” he noted.
As the volleyball season concludes for Colorado, the focus will shift to building on this year’s progress and preparing for the challenges ahead. Fans and players alike are hopeful that this season’s resurgence will lay the groundwork for a strong comeback in the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the NCAA Tournament as the Sweet 16 approaches.
