5-3 record bolsters team into conference play
CU volleyball will look to build on its winning record as the team travels to Texas Tech Wednesday for its first Big 12 conference match.
The Buffs enter conference play with a record of 5-3.
This past week, the team traveled to Fort Collins to participate in the Hilton Classic. After losing to Colorado State in the first match, the Buffs pulled together and won their final two matches against Winthrop and Miami (Ohio).
Sophomore Mallori Gibson, an outside hitter, is confident with the team’s progress.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Gibson, who leads the team in kills with 119. “We’ve been building as a team and continuing to work hard in practice.”
Although the team has a winning record, the Buffs still have some work to do. CU is averaging 13.64 digs per game, which is 10th in the Big 12, and the team is last in the Big 12 in terms of blocks per game, averaging 1.96.
Still, Head Coach Pi’i Aiu is comfortable with the progression his team has made. With only three seniors on the roster, Aiu believes that his young squad has been making the necessary strides.
“I think we’re growing up quickly,” Aiu said. “We’re moving along steadily and steadily, which is one of the biggest things moving into conference play.”
But Aiu knows that winning will not be an easy task moving into conference play.
“Texas Tech is a tough place to play. We have to play real well to win on the road,” Aiu said. “The team feels pretty good right now, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to us winning.”
Junior libero Callie Webster, who leads the team with 114 digs, has seen more and more positives with her team.
“Everyday, we’re a little better,” Webster said. “As each day passes, we gain experience across the board.”
After traveling to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech, the team returns home to face Baylor and Kansas State. Last year, the Buffs went a combined 6-0 against Texas Tech, Baylor and Kansas State, beating each team once at home and once on the road.
Still, the Buffs will tell you that playing any team in the Big 12 is a challenge. But CU has its head held high and is entering conference play with a winning attitude.
“Everyone is gaining confidence in themselves, which leads to confidence in one another,” Gibson said.
