The Colorado volleyball team learned Sunday it will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday and Friday.

The Buffs put in a host bid last month but weren't sure if they would be granted the chance to host. They were confident they would be in the NCAA Tournament after going 16-11 and beating top-ranked Nebraska. But the host bid was a surprise when it was announced on ESPNews Sunday. It caused a big celebration at the Broker Inn, where the team was watching with several supporters.

"Obviously we're pleasantly surprised," CU coach Pi'i Aiu said.

CU will play New Mexico State (33-3) in the first round on Thursday night at the Coors Events Center. The other first round game will be Colorado State and defending national champion Washington, the No. 6 overall seed. Game times had not been determined as of Sunday afternoon.

The winners of the first round games will play Friday night at the Coors Events Center.

Colorado has played in Fort Collins for the last two NCAA Tournaments and lost in the first round to Hawaii in 2004 and CSU in 2005.

"We have played in Fort Collins the last couple years, so it should be a great advantage to play at home," said junior outside hitter Amber Sutherland, who leads CU with 431 kills.