Buffs beat Nebraska, finished ranked in the top 25
The CU volleyball team can claim one feat from last season that no other team shares: the Buffs beat the national champion University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
And although the 2006-2007 season is in the past, it is not one to forget, according to junior-to-be Mallori Gibson.
“We are really trying to build off of how we ended last season,” she said.
CU went 17-12 overall and tied for fourth in the Big 12 with a 12-8 conference record. The team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament but fell to third ranked University of Washington. The lady Buffs finished ranked 24th in the final CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches Poll.
The team recently concluded its spring season, making necessary adjustments to prepare for the coming year.
“I think we really improved a lot as a team this spring. We had a good turn around when you compare our first tournament to our last,” Gibson said. “A lot of girls got playing time, and a lot of us got used to playing with each other. We gelled together well.”
The team looks to replace four graduating seniors from last season, including leader Ashley Nu’u. Freshman Kaitlyn Burkett will succeed Nu’u at the setter position.
“Ashley has always been such a role model for me, and I have looked up to her in so many ways,” Burkett said. “In addition to being a great player, she was a great leader. It’s difficult to replace her, but I am working hard to get used to the role and taking it slowly but surely.”
Colorado returns five starters from last season: junior libero Kristen Karlik, outside hitters Gibson and junior Amber Sutherland, sophomore Alex Buth at the right side and sophomore middle blocker Lauren Schaefer.
The spring season offers younger players the opportunity to develop more of a presence on the court, Burkett said.
“Getting a lot of reps was very helpful. The big thing for many of us was just becoming comfortable on the court and with each other,” she said. “Knowing where to go, what to do and when to do it is very important, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot during the spring.”
Injuries effected CU’s spring season, causing a brief stir in the team’s lineup. Sutherland is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, so she has been absent from the court. Karlik and sophomore Callie Webster have also been dealing with injuries.
“A lot of girls stepped up to play positions that they had never played before. I think we did a really good job with filling in spots and making it work,” Burkett said.
The Buffs competed against Colorado State, Denver, Northern Colorado, Oregon and the U.S. National Team, but the team does not put a lot of weight on the teams it scrimmages, Burkett said.
“During the spring season, the wins and losses do not really matter as much as how we develop as a team, so we don’t really emphasize who we play,” she said.
Head coach Pi’i Aiu is currently out recruiting. He was not available for comment.
With a productive spring under their belt, the Buffs now look ahead to the fall season-with last season’s win over Nebraska still in their minds.
“Our biggest goal is just to stay competitive in the Big 12 because it is such a hard conference,” Burkett said.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Corey Jones at corey.jones@thecampuspress.com.
