The Colorado volleyball team was encouraged Friday night after the way it played against Washington.

It may be even more encouraged after it takes a hard look at next season.

The Buffs lost to the defending national champions 30-15, 22-30, 30-26, 30-24 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Coors Events Center, but they lose only two starters at most. First-team All-Big 12 setter Ashley Nu'u finished her career Friday night, and starting middle blocker Austin Zimmerman may choose to give up her last year of eligibility to continue to law school. But the Buffs have a wealth of experienced players coming back after reaching the second round of the tournament for the first time since 2001.

"I'm looking forward to next year. We are excited about that," coach Pi'i Aiu said. "Obviously, we have some big shoes to fill, and I think you guys are going to be surprised in how we do that."

Even if Zimmerman — who took a medical redshirt — decides to give up the last year of eligibility, Colorado still has two honorable mention All-Big 12 players coming back. Amber Sutherland led the team in kills this season and Lauren Schaefer had five kills and three combined blocks against the Huskies.

Sutherland suffered a painful-looking ankle injury against the Huskies, but she showed why she is a team leader as only a junior when she returned to the match. She and her teammates will have to continue to fill that leadership role after the void left by this year's seniors, who brought a toughness the Buffs haven't always had this decade.

"I'm going to miss this season and I'm going to miss this team a lot," Aiu said. "I just think this was a really unique team in how they battled and showed heart."

In addition to the two honorable mention All-Big 12 players, outside hitters Alex Buth and Mallori Gibson will be back. Buth had 12 kills against the Huskies and Gibson was second on the team in kills this season. The team's top players in digs Friday night, Ashley VenHorst and Kristen Karlik, will also be back.

But even if they do have talent, the Buffs will have to replace the leadership and heart the seniors showed this season, including in a win over top-ranked Nebraska.

"These girls have the biggest hearts I know," Sutherland said about the seniors. "Every senior class, it's so hard to replace them. You won't ever get that back, so this whole year we had to do everything we could every single game."