The University of Colorado volleyball team continued Pac-12 play Sunday night as the team faced the undefeated University of Washington in Washington. The 8-5 Buffaloes lost in three sets to the 11-0 Huskies, 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22.
In the first set of the match, the Buffaloes jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead and Washington’s head coach took the first timeout.
Later in the set, Cassie Strickland, who has seven aces on the season, gave the Huskies some much-needed momentum as they took the lead after her two aces. Coach Kritza took her first timeout after trailing by four points in the middle of the first set.
The Huskies continued to rally on after the timeout, scoring five consecutive points until the Buffs were forced to take their final timeout of the set. Colorado’s Gabby Simpson had four kills and was the leading hitter of the set, but her efforts were negated as the Huskies charged to 25 points quickly and took the first set.
Washington took charge of the second set with an early lead, and they didn’t let it go. Washington’s Katy Beals had nine assists in the set after setting the ball off to Melanie Wade, who had three kills.
Colorado looked to redeem itself after the last set’s quick loss as senior Alexis Austin and freshman Naghede Abu had back-to-back hits. Austin had 14 kills in the game.
Sophomore Anna Pfefferle also saw significant success on offense, totaling seven kills with a .636 hitting percentage. That was the highest percentage among both teams in Sunday’s match.
The Huskies and the Buffs battled back and forth, alternating several points at a time in the middle of the third set. A kill by Wade and an error by Abu sealed the 12th win for the Huskies and kept their perfect season alive.
Colorado, after back-to-back losses, looks forward to battle the Oregon Ducks in Eugene Friday, Oct. 2.
Contact CU Independent Sports Staff Writer Lizzi Vogel at lizzi.vogel@yahoo.com.
