Sophomore outside hitter Becah Fogle dives to return the ball Friday evening. The Buffs lost 3-0 against San Diego in Coors Events Center. The game was one part of the Colorado Invitational. (CU Independent/Ilana Finer)
Freshmen flock to the Coors Event Center for a variety of reasons, ranging from sporting events to big tests.
On Saturday night, most of them were there for the same reason — to see the Buffs volleyball team sweep the Cal Poly Mustangs 25-19, 28-26 and 26-24 in the finale of the Colorado Invitational.
With the victory, the team is 5-4 overall and has a 1-1 home record. Despite the win, head coach Liz Kritza commented on what her team needs to work on.
“The team needs to work in understanding how the game is played at the highest levels,” Kritza said. “We’re running a system and training them in a way that will allow them to play with the best teams in the country. They have to understand that our first contact is paramount. We have to make sure that we are in system so then we can keep pace. That’s the way this game is played.”
Nikki Kinzer, a freshman middle blocker, served match point over the Mustangs in the first set. Kritza was impressed with Kinzer’s performance overall.
“As a young middle, tonight was a very quality match for her,” Kritza said. “The performance tonight is indicative of her role.”
Co-captain Rosie Steinhaus had a career-high 14 kills and commented on the team’s performance.
“We came out strong, and we learned some things about our team,” Steinhaus said.
Steinhaus also commented on who she felt is one of the leaders for the team.
“Kaitlyn Burkett knows how to run the court,” Steinhaus said. “As one of the co-captains, my personal goal is to set and makes those plays in a 23-24 point situation.”
This game was an impressive display for freshman outside hitter Kerra Schroeder as well. She had nine digs and eight kills.
“It’s a big change from high school volleyball,” Schroeder said. “Everything is a lot faster. It’s a great opportunity to come in as a freshman and be able to contribute.”
Schroeder also agreed with Steinhaus about the team’s performance.
“We did really well this weekend, executed our system,” Schroeder said. “We did everything we needed to do.”
CU, the co-host of the tournament, went 2-1 after splitting a double-header Friday. Denver University, the other co-host of the tourney, went winless in three matches.
The Buffs will be playing their first Big 12 Conference game against No. 11 Iowa State at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ames, Iowa. Some team members are predicting a long, hard road ahead against conference foes.
“Big 12 will be tough play, but we progressed a lot this weekend,” Steinhaus said. “This game and the San Diego game showed us how well we can do.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Michelle Davenport at Davenpmn@colorado.edu.
