CU Buffs Volleyball Falls to Indiana in NCAA Tournament Shock

BREAKING: The Colorado Buffaloes’ NCAA Tournament run has come to a sudden end, as they fell to the host Indiana Hoosiers in a decisive three-set sweep, 25-20, 25-17, 25-23, on December 5, 2025, at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. This loss marks a disappointing conclusion for the Buffs, who were seeking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017.

Despite a strong season and a first NCAA appearance since 2022, Colorado (23-9, seeded fifth) struggled against the 15th-ranked Hoosiers (25-7, seeded fourth), who showcased their dominance with momentum-shifting runs throughout the match. Coach Jesse Mahoney reflected on the performance, stating, “We made some errors at inopportune times, and Indiana definitely made great plays when it mattered.”

Indiana’s standout players, Candela Alonso-Corcelles and freshman Jaidyn Jager, combined for a staggering 31 kills, leading the Hoosiers with a team hitting percentage of .378, compared to CU’s .208. “They’re really good, but we shouldn’t let anyone hit over .300 on us in any match,” Mahoney added, underscoring the challenges faced by his team.

The match began with Colorado taking an early lead, but Indiana quickly rallied to tie the first set at 11-11, never looking back. A brief surge by the Buffs in the second set was quickly answered by a 5-1 run from the Hoosiers, sealing their momentum. The third set saw Colorado leading 22-17, only for Indiana to mount a stunning comeback with an 8-1 run, clinching the match and ending CU’s season.

Senior player Sarah Morton, a native of Munster, Indiana, expressed bittersweet feelings about her final game. “It was great to look in the stands and see a lot of familiar faces,” she shared, emphasizing her pride in the team’s resilience throughout the season.

After finishing 10th in the Big 12 last year, Colorado exceeded expectations by securing a third-place finish and making it back to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Mahoney praised his team’s journey, stating, “They decided they were going to make a change and get better,” and expressed optimism for the future.

As the dust settles from this pivotal match, the Buffs will reflect on a season that saw them rise from a challenging prior year. With the NCAA Tournament now ended for Colorado, fans are left to ponder the potential of next season.

FINAL SCORE: Indiana 3, Colorado 0

Set Scores: 25-20, 25-17, 25-23

Key Players: CU – Burilovic 19 kills, Indiana – Alonso-Corcelles 16 kills, Jager 15 kills

Stay tuned for more updates as the NCAA Tournament progresses and teams vie for championship glory.