The University of Colorado volleyball team swept Portland State University Friday night in dominant fashion.
The team had four players with seven or more kills and hit .316, the fourth-best mark this season. The Buffs return to action in the 2018 Colorado Classic Saturday at 10 a.m. against Indiana State, followed up by the marquee matchup against Colorado State University at 8 p.m.
For the first time this season the Buffs were at full force. Senior Naghede Abu was dominate in her season opener, leading the team with a .468 hitting percentage with seven kills.
“It felt great,” said Abu, who just returned from an injury. “It kind of sucked just sitting on the sidelines and watching, but it’s been a very good learning experience. And to be able to put on a jersey and to actually be able to play again was very exciting for me.”
Justine Spann was also excited, and continued her breakout season with a match-high 11 kills and hitting .450. The Smith duo also performed well, as Anyse Smith had eight kills and Alexa Smith had seven.
“I’m a big energy player, so I love having a lot of energy out on the floor and I feel like our team definitely contributed to that a lot,” Spann said. “We like to say that Naghede is the hype queen; she likes to make sure we are all boosted up on energy, so it was really good to get everyone back out there, and the vibes on the court were amazing.”
Freshman setter Jenna Ewert added to those vibes and had a career-night, picking up three aces while also posting her third double-double of the season with 17 assists and 11 digs. Brynna DeLuzio added in 15 assists, nine digs and an ace, as well as the match-winning kill.
On the defensive end of the court, Gabby Carta-Samuels returned for the Buffs for the first time in two weeks. She led the team with 14 digs, while also adding in seven assists. Up front, Abu led with a pair of blocks, while Alexa Smith had a solo block and Spann had a block assist.
The Buffs dominated the defensive end, holding the Vikings to just a .049 hitting percentage, including tying a season-best .000 opponent hitting percentage in the first set. Only Toni McDougald had a hitting percentage greater than .100 for Portland State at .156.
Tomorrow evenings matchup is looking to be a tightly contested match, as Colorado State swept Indiana State tonight in Fort Collins. The Buffs will need to defend home court against a mob of Rams that will be seeking revenge from last season’s comeback defeat in Fort Collins.
Today’s morning match will have $2 coffee and muffins for all fans, while the evening match is ‘Wear Black’.
