UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes’ volleyball season came to a sudden end as they fell to the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, losing decisively with a score of 3-0 on December 5, 2025, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.
In a match that highlighted the Hoosiers’ dominance, Colorado was unable to secure a spot in the Sweet 16, marking a disappointing conclusion to their season. The 15th-ranked Hoosiers, now boasting a record of 25-7, showcased their power with set scores of 25-20, 25-17, and 25-23.
Coach Jesse Mahoney expressed his frustration post-match, acknowledging the team’s failure to capitalize on key opportunities. “We made some errors at inopportune times, and Indiana definitely made great plays when it mattered,” Mahoney stated. “Ultimately, we couldn’t slow down their two left-side hitters, and that was the difference in the match.”
Indiana’s standout players, Candela Alonso-Corcelles and freshman Jaidyn Jager, delivered exceptional performances, recording 16 kills with a remarkable hitting percentage of .556 and 15 kills at .375 respectively. In comparison, CU struggled with a hitting percentage of .208.
The Buffaloes started strong, leading early in the first set at 6-2 and 9-5, but Indiana rallied back to take control. Mahoney noted, “The crowd was good, and I think (the Hoosiers) probably fed off that.”
Despite a brief resurgence in the third set, where Colorado led by 22-17, Indiana closed the match with an 8-1 run, sealing their victory and sending the Buffaloes packing.
For senior Sarah Morton, hailing from Munster, Indiana, the match was bittersweet. “It was great to look in the stands and see a lot of familiar faces,” she reflected. “I’m proud of this team. We put up a fight till the very end.”
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes, who had exceeded expectations after finishing 13-17 last season, will aim for a comeback in the next year. Mahoney believes the lessons learned this season will prepare them for future successes. “Going through a season like this is going to be a learning experience for us,” he concluded.
As for the Hoosiers, they advance to the Sweet 16, eager to continue their quest for NCAA glory.
