“We just beat the No. 1 team. Most exciting game I have played in my whole career thus far. I can only imagine what’s next.” junior outside hitter Taylor Simpson said after the University of Colorado Buffaloes beat the No. 1 Washington Huskies Friday night.
The volleyball team won in a grueling four set match, to take down the top ranked Huskies (25-17, 26-14, 15-25, 25-19).
Members of the CU Volleyball Team celebrate after winning the second set of their Oct. 4th match against top-ranked Washington. The Buffs won the match three games to one. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)
This gives the Buffs a 10-3 overall record. The Huskies were undefeated going into the match tonight, with a record of 10-0.
Senior outside hitter Kerra Schroeder played an important role in the Buffs win; she ended with a .958 receiving percentage.
“I don’t think it has hit me yet, but at the same time, we finally played to our potential and I don’t think anyone in the Pac-12 is ready for it,” Schroeder said.
Taylor Simpson and Alexis Austin both contributed double digit kills for the Buffs, Simpson with 17 and Austin with 11.
To start the first, the Buffs started strong, getting a quick 10-6 lead early in the first set. After some good defense from Schroeder and some big kills by Simpson, the Buffs took the first set 25-17.
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The Buffs and Huskies battled in the second set, but the Buffs won 26-24.
Washington had the momentum early in the third, going up 10-4. They kept the lead and won the third 25-15.
The fourth set started close, with the Buffs holding the lead throughout the set. Sophomore outside hitter Alexis Austin had some big kills for the Buffs to end some long rallies and gave the Buffs some momentum. The Buffs kept feeding Austin, until they won it 25-19.
Head Coach Liz Kritza says that she knew her team could do it.
“We are not going to be satisfied until we maximize everything that we have and tonight was the best that I have seen this team play,” Kritza said.
Kritza said the team should celebrate though because this is a big win.
“We are definitely going to enjoy it and celebrate it,” Kritza said. “Wins like this are very significant.”
The Buffs play again at Coors Events Center on Sunday at noon.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Jillian Arja at Jillian.Arja@colorado.edu.
