Iowa Falls to Colorado in Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge
Game #1
Box Score (PDF)
CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — The University of Iowa volleyball team fell to Colorado, 3-1, Friday evening at Huff Hall on the campus of the University of Illinois in the Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge.
Senior Courtney Buzzerio paced the Hawkeyes with 16 kills and 16 digs. Sophomore Bailey Ortega had 40 assists. Ortega and senior Hannah Clayton each recorded three blocks.
The match saw 25 ties and seven lead changes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (Colorado, 25-15): Colorado scored the first three points of the set. The Hawkeyes fought back to tie it, 4-4. The teams remained close as Iowa led 10-9. Colorado would go on a 6-0 run midway through the set to establish a 19-11 advantage. The Buffs would maintain their cushion and claim the opening set.
SET 2 (Colorado, 25-22): The scoring went back-and-forth to open the second set leading to an 11-11 tie. The Hawkeyes would take a 17-14 lead, before Colorado answered making things, 19-19. The Buffs controlled the rest of the set taking a 2-0 lead in the match.
SET 3 (Iowa, 25-23): Much like the second set the score was back-and-forth for most of the way. In a set that saw 12 ties, the Hawkeyes pulled away once the score reached 19-19 to win by two.
SET 4 (Colorado, 25-15): In the fourth set, Colorado jumped out to a 10-3 lead. The Buffs would maintain a steady lead to make the score 18-12 before taking the final set and the match.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH VICKI BROWN
"I am proud of the team for set three. It takes the whole team to get that win after being down two sets. This was a tough match for our offense. We have some time to regroup and go into the match tomorrow against Washington with a new day mindset."
Bailey Ortega recorded a career-high three blocks.
Courtney Buzzerio recorded her first double-double of the season. She led the team with eight last season, including four straight in late February.
Iowa will compete against its first ranked opponent of the season tomorrow when the Hawkeyes face No. 11 Washington in the Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge at 5 p.m. (CT).
Final Notes
Volleyball / January 7, 2022 Final Notes