Volleyball Top 30 Moments - University of Colorado Athletics

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Sep 12 (Fri)

6 PM

For the 30th anniversary season of the Colorado Volleyball program in 2016, we are presenting the top 30 moments in program history. Presented in no particular order, the moments will be published every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the season as well as at home matches. Go Buffs!

Moment 30 - The duo of Nicole Edelman and Alexis Austin, who came in after the Buffs won six matches, lead the Buffs back to dominance, winning 14 matches as freshman and then averaging 19 wins per year their final three years with two NCAA bids.

2015

Nicole Edelman and Alexis Austin, during their time at CU, were one of the best duos to ever play in Boulder. During their time at CU the Buffs made two NCAA Tournament appearances and the Buffs were returned to national prominence, somewhere they had been during the early 90’s and thanks to the duo of Edelman and Austin CU was back to where they belonged.

Edelman and Austin joined a Buffs team their freshman year, that was coming off a season where they had only won six games. Their impact was evident immediately, as in 2012 the Buffs more than doubled their win total from the season before finishing with 14 wins.

The next three seasons, with Edelman and Austin leading the way, the Buffs averaged 19 wins a season, and in their final two seasons CU was 11-9 in the Pac-12 solidifying themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the conference. Overall Edelman and Austin were able to come in and help turn around a program that had been dominant for several years. Their four years as a Buff will always be remembered as the time CU turned things around for the years to come.

Moment 29 - Taylor Simpson becomes the program’s first first-team All-American by the AVCA, leading the Buffs to their second straight NCAA Tournament and setting a new program record with 591 kills.

2014

The Buffs were coming off a tournament bid and a huge upset against then-ranked No. 1 Washington, so entering the 2014 season CU was looking to build on their success and keep heading in the right direction with their program. In only her second, but final season as a Buff, Taylor Simpson helped lead the Buffs to where they wanted to go recording a team record 591 kills on route to being the programs first first-team All-American by the AVCA and Simpson lead the Buffs back to the big dance.

Taylor’s season was a historic one for an attacker. Her 591 kills broke the previous record that had been in place since 1997, when in her junior season Sarah Lodge recorded 528 kills. And along with her being named first-team All-American by the AVCA, Simpson was also named to the AVCA All-Pacific South Region team. She was also named to the All-Pac-12 Team when the season was over.

Simpson finished her short lived two-year career at CU with 981 kills, which is the 17th best career mark in Buffs history. And her great season helped the Buffs make it to their 18th NCAA Tournament in school history. While Simpson’s time in a Buffs uniform was relatively short-lived, her impact and legacy on the program is something that will live on for a long time, and her name is etched in CU’s record books.

Moment 28 - The Buffs knock off No. 1 Washington, signifying a resurgence in the program, propelling the Buffs to their first NCAA Tournament in seven years.

Oct. 4, 2013

In 2006 the Buffs won their first game against a No. 1 opponent beating the Nebraska Huskers in five sets. It took another six seasons before CU would reach that mountaintop again, this time, on Oct. 4 2016, CU’s victims were the No. 1 Washington Huskies. Holding home court, the Buffs won the match in four sets, giving them their biggest win since joining the Pac-12.

Entering the match CU was coming off a loss against Wyoming in five sets, and they were looking to rebound with a huge upset. The tone of the match was set early with the Buffs taking the first set 25-17. Washington put up a serious fight in the second set, forcing it to go past 25 points, before the Buffs finished them off 26-24 to take an early stranglehold on the match.

The Huskies weren’t about to let themselves get swept in straight sets, taking the third set 25-15. But the Buffs knew, going into the fourth set, that they had a golden opportunity to end the match and lock up the upset. CU took full advantage of that opportunity, not letting the Huskies even sniff the lead through the set. The Buffs took the set in commanding fashion 25-19, to lock up the biggest win in almost ten years for CU.

Junior Taylor Simpson lead the Buffs in both kills (18) and digs (20). And sophomore Nicole Edelman added a team leading 46 assists to help CU come away with the win. Besides being only the second time beating the top ranked team in the nation, the win was a return to excellence for a program that had suffered a few down seasons.

The win against Washington, along with an eight game winning streak in the first month of the season, allowed CU to come away with an 18-14 record for the season. The record was good enough for CU to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006, returning CU to the level that they’re used to being at, one of the nation’s top programs.

Moment 27 - The Buffs knock off No. 1 Nebraska at Coors Events Center, the program's first win over a No. 1 ranked team.

Nov. 11, 2006

Beating the number one team in the nation is a milestone for any program. When that number one team are the Nebraska Huskers for CU it means that much more. On Nov. 11, 2006 the Buffs did exactly that beating the No. 1 Huskers in five sets in front of a record crowd at the Coors Events Center 4, 111.

The win snapped a 17-match losing streak to the Huskers and it was the first time in the program’s history that the Buffs took down the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. Nebraska went on to win the national championship, but their only loss of the season was suffered in Boulder.

In the first set the Huskers came out and took the early control of the match winning 30-19. CU returned the favor taking the second set 30-28 in a close finish to tie up the match. From there the two teams traded sets, with the Buffs forcing a fifth and deciding set when they took the fourth set 30-27.

Once the fifth set started, the Buffs were positioned to finish off the milestone upset. Playing through it the Buffs made sure they gave Nebraska little room to breathe, and when it was finished CU was ahead winning the set 15-12 and winning the match 3-2.

Junior Amber Sutherland lead the way for the Buffs with 18 kills and fellow junior Kristen Karlik recorded 22 digs. Senior Austin Zimmerman added 10 blocks and senior Ashley Nu’u helped set the CU offense with a team leading 62 assists. It was a historic night at the Coors Events Center, and one that gave CU a milestone that meant just a little bit more against the Nebraska Huskies.

Moment 26 - Ashley Nu’u became the program’s first higher than honorable mention All-American by the AVCA, earning third-team honors.

2006

Entering Ashley Nu’u’s 2006 senior season, Nu’u had taken over as one of the leaders on a CU team that had NCAA Tournament aspirations and a team with seven upperclassmen ready to make some noise in the Big 12 and across the country. Nu’u’s leadership and success on the court helped make her the first Buff to ever be named to the AVCA All-American Third Team and the Asics/Volleyball Magazine All-American honorable mention team.

During the season Nu’u helped CU win a historic match against neighboring rivals Nebraska, who were ranked No. 1 at the time when they made the trip across state lines to Boulder on Nov. 11. Having lost 17 straight matches to the Huskers, the Buffs were looking to knock off the eventual national champion in front of a record crowd of 4, 111 at the Coors Events Center.

The two teams traded sets across the match until the fifth set was ready to be played. The Buffs and the Huskers traded points, until CU was able to pull away and give the Huskers the only loss they would suffer for the entire season.

Nu’u earned Sports Imports/AVCA Division I National Player of the Week on Nov. 13, for the 62 assists she dished out in CU’s win against the Huskers. When the season ended Nu’u was also named as an AVCA All-Central Region and was named as an All-Big 12 First Team honoree.

Moment 25 - Monique Gerlach departs CU with the most kills by a middle and fourth most in CU history, second in hitting percentage, fifth in blocks and top in in attacks and aces.

2003

In the history of CU’s women’s volleyball program many women have come and filled the positon of middle blocker, but few have done it as well as Monique Gerlach played the position during her four years at CU.

Gerlach, while at CU, was an offensive force playing in the middle. She still holds several records at CU and she ranks fourth all-time at CU for kills, and fifth all-time in blocks. And her career percentage of .328 puts her second all-time in CU’s books.

When looking at just who’s played the middle blocker spot, Gerlach stands high and above the rest in CU’s history. She still holds three middle blocker records in CU’s books, as she ranks first in kills (1,427), aces (99) and attacks (3, 012). And her senior season of 2003 saw her named to the All-Big 12 first team and for the second straight season Gerlach was named to the AVCA All-Central Region’s first team.

Moment 24 - Megan Barkman departs with 564 blocks, 123 more than any other player before her - she is still the all-time leader.

2002

When Meghan Barkman graduated from CU she made sure she left her mark on the Buffs volleyball program, leaving as the career leader in blocks with 564. A whopping 123 more blocks than the next Buff on the list.

She played all four years for the Buffs from 1999-02, and during her time CU made three trips to the NCAA, the last being during her junior season in 2001. She was a key component of a Buffs front line that helped CU maintain the success they had developed during the 1990s.

Barkman is also at the top of several other Buffs records, she holds the record for most career blocks during conference play (394), most seasons with 100 blocks (3) and she holds the career record for highest average, blocks per game (1.43).

Barkman most certainly left her mark on the CU program, coming in and setting the standard of defense for CU. Her records show no signs of falling anytime soon, and Barkman will be remembered for a long time in Boulder and around the Coors Events Center.

Moment 23 - Kelly Campbell becomes the first CU player to reach 6,000 assists and is just the ninth player in NCAA history to do that. She became CU’s first two-time All-American.

1999

Kelly Campbell is arguably one of the most decorated volleyball players to ever put on a Buffs uniform. And in 1999, during her senior season, Campbell eclipsed the 6,000 career assist mark, becoming the first Buff to ever reach that mark and at the time only the sixth player in NCAA history to surpass the mark.

Campbell finished her senior season, and her career, as the all-time career leader in assists with 6,228. She still holds that mark, and she became the first player in CU history to surpass the 90 assist plateau in a match when she recorded 93 assists in a five-set match win for the Buffs against Texas Tech on Nov. 13.

During the season Campbell overtook Nicole Vranesh as the all-time assist leader by recording her 5,000th career assist before reaching and passing 6,000 later in the season. She helped lead the Buffs in the Big 12 with 16.41 assists per game, and Campbell’s 14.14 assists per game was good enough for second in the Big 12 and seventh in the NCAA.

When the season was over, Campbell had finished her four years as a Buff with a staggering 14.56 career assists per game. The mark is still good enough for second all-time on the NCAA list. She was rewarded by being named first-team All-Big 12 and she earned all-district honors. Campbell also received second team Volleyball Magazine All-American honors, becoming the first Buff to be a two-time All-American.

When it was all said and done Campbell had set the standard for setting for the Colorado program. Her numbers don’t only just sit at the top of CU’s all-time records, but at the top of the NCAA books as well. And those numbers shouldn’t feel threatened anytime soon.

Moment 22 - The Buffs average 19.01 kills per game, an all-time NCAA record, the first time a team averaged 19 kills per set.

1998

Throughout the past 30 years the Buffs have had teams and player’s names sprinkled throughout both NCAA and conference history books for a number of different top marks. In 1998 CU set an NCAA record by average 19.01 kills per set throughout the season. It was the first time since the NCAA started keeping trace of kills per set that a team was able to reach the 19 kills per set mark.

Unfortunately, the record didn’t stand for long, as in 2000 Santa Clara averaged 19.33 kills per set to pass the Buffs, but CU still remains one of three teams to reach the 19 kills per set average mark in NCAA history. And their mark of 19.01 still sits at second place all-time in NCAA history.

CU finished 22-8 (14-6 Big 12) during the season, which included deep runs into both the Big 12 Tournament and a second round run in the NCAA Tournament. Through the season four Buffs recorded at least 300 kills, with senior Courtney Owens leading the way with 399 kills. The season will be remembered not only in Boulder as a great offensive year, but it’s also remembered throughout the country as the Buffs placed themselves squarely near the top of the NCAA’s record books.

Moment 21 – Sarah Lodge records 527 kills, the second Buff to reach 500 kills and set a new CU record that would hold for 18 years.

1997

BOULDER – It’s not very often that a record set stands for almost two decades. In the case of Sarah Lodge her record 528 kills in the 1997 season stood as the highest number of kills recorded in a season by a Buff for 18 years.

Lodge was only the second Buff to ever reach the mark of at least 500 kills in a season, Karrie Downey had reached the mark in 1993 nailing 501 kills. Lodge’s record stood until 2014 when Taylor Simpson broke Lodge’s record with 591 kills in her senior season.

One record that Lodge set during the season still stands as the best all-time in CU’s record books. Lodge averaged 4.80 kills per game during the season, a number that doesn’t seem to be in danger of falling anytime soon. And during the season she passed the 1,000 career kills mark, becoming the seventh player to reach that milestone in CU history.

Throughout the season Lodge was the leader in kills at the end of 21 matches during the season. Including a 33 kill performance on Oct. 11, at Oklahoma, a match the Buffs would win in five sets. And she topped that performance on Nov. 28, this time in Boulder against Texas where her 40 kills helped the Buffs pull off another five set win. Her 528 kills helped CU to a 22-9 (16-4 Big 12) record, a second place finish in the Big 12 and a run to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Lodge’s record season has forever enshrined her in the CU record books, and is a season that hasn’t been forgotten at CU.

Moment 20 - The Buffs knock off Oral Roberts in five sets to advance to the program’s third Sweet 16.

Dec. 7, 1997

For a program to reach the Sweet 16 once it’s considered to be a great accomplishment that can build programs. Make it a second time and that program starts to really gain traction among the great programs across the country. For the Buffs they did all of that in back-to-back seasons from 1993-94. But in 1997 they took another huge step placing themselves among the elite programs in the country, as they reached their third Sweet 16 in less than five years beating Oral Roberts on Dec. 7, 1997 in five sets.

CU’s historic run started against Tennessee Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, hosted at CU’s own Coors Events Center. The Buffs earned a 12-2 record at home that season, and they showed off their home court domination defeating the Golden Eagles in straight sets to set up a second round match up with Oral Roberts.

The next night the Buffs faced off against Oral Roberts for the chance to play in the Sweet 16, and CU was ready to defend their home court. Things didn’t start off as the Buffs wanted as they dropped the first set 15-13. Not missing a beat, CU returned the favor in the second set winning 15-10.

Oral Roberts then took a two set to one lead winning the third set 16-14. But with their backs against the wall, the Buffs took control of the match and their own destiny. They took the fourth set 15-6 to send the match into a deciding fifth set. In that fifth set the Buffs punched their ticket to a third Sweet 16, winning the set 15-12 and the match three sets to two. Although the Buffs dropped their Sweet 16 match to Stanford, it had been three trips in five years and the Buffs had let the country know that they were here to stay.

Moment 19 - The Buffs Defeat No. 5 Nebraska in Lincoln, the program’s first win over a top five team.

Oct. 5, 1997

On Oct. 5, 1997 the Buffs made a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska with a chance to make history and the determination to do so. For CU it would be their first win against a top five team, in the history books of the Big 12 it would be the first time a team beat Nebraska in Lincoln since the conference expanded from eight teams in 1996. The Buffs answered the call, bringing their own ranking of 22 into the match, CU took down the mighty Cornhuskers in five sets to hand Nebraska a loss that wasn’t easily forgotten in Lincoln.

CU was riding a four match winning streak, where they were dominating their Big 12 counterparts. Except for their first match in conference play, a four-set win against Kansas State, the Buffs took care of business in straight sets in the next three matches leading into the match with Nebraska.

Nebraska came out and took the first set 15-11, but CU answered right back to even the match winning the second set 15-9. Ridding the momentum of the second set CU won the next set 15-7, before dropping the fourth set 15-6 lining up a five set decider between the two teams. Looking to finish off the historic win, CU didn’t let Nebraska breath in the fifth set winning 15-8 to lock up the match and give the Buffs a victory on a historic night that sent ripples through the Big 12.

Moment 18 - Rachel Wacholder records 106 attacks, still the CU record by more than 20

Nov. 24, 1995

With the additions of Texas, Texas A & M, Texas Tech, and Baylor the Big Eight was on its way to becoming the Big 12 following the 1995 season. But before heading into the newly expanded conference, the Buffs had one last Big Eight Tournament to play in, and in the final game CU played as a member of the Big Eight junior left-setter Rachel Wacholder made sure her name was etched in history as she recorded a then-NCAA record, and still the best all-time in CU’s history, 106 attacks. She also became only the second player ever to have 40 digs during a game at the Big Eight Tournament.

While the Buffs did drop the match against Iowa State in four sets, history had been made by Wacholder. Her 106 attacks would be the NCAA record in a four-set match for another five years, when on Sept. 21, 2000 Sarah McFarland of Loyola Marymount recorded 111 attacks against Notre Dame.

But Wacholder is securely entrenched in the CU record books, as her 106 attacks dwarfs the closest number any other Buff has gotten by at least 20. Also her 40 digs is still the second most ever recorded by a Buff in school history, and its only one behind Karrie Downey’s 41 also against Iowa State on Nov. 5, 1994.

While things were changing on the conference landscape, on the court CU was just rolling along without a hitch. And Wacholder made sure that before CU closed the door on its time in the Big Eight, her name would be forever apart of the conference’s lore.

Moment 17 - The Buffs top Wyoming for their 10th straight win, matching a program best, and the Buffs swept all 10 matches, still a CU record

Oct. 25, 1994

BOULDER – On Sep. 18, 1994 the Buffs lost to Texas A & M at home to lose the CU hosted Colorado Power Bar Invitational final. That loss at home must have awoken something in the Buffs, because it was a springboard that sent CU into what is still tied for a school record, ten match winning streak.

The streak was topped off with straight set match against Wyoming in Boulder. Sweeping Wyoming wasn’t something new to the Buffs, since during the streak CU swept every match on their way to setting a still school record of 30 straight game wins.

CU also moved up the national rankings as well during the streak, starting ranked at 19 the Buffs moved up five spots. Sitting at No. 14 when the streak finally ended in Lincoln, Neb., against the Cornhuskers. During the streak senior left-setter Karrie Downey lead the Buffs in both kills (78) and digs (79). And sophomore setter Tracy Seiler added 376 assists to lead CU in that category as well.

The streak showed the historic 1993 season wasn’t just a fluke, instead it meant that the Buffs were here to stay on the national landscape. Tearing off ten straight matches does have a way of making people pay attention.

Moment 16 - Karrie Downey became first Buff to record over 500 kills in a season

1993

1993; 1993 was a year that produced team championships and individual awards across the board for the Buffs. And junior left-setter Karrie Downey didn’t miss out on the party. She recorded 501 kills for the first Buff to reach 500 kills in a season, and she joined her teammate senior Nicole Vranesh both being named first-team All-Big Eight at the end of the season.

Downey, who is still currently the CU all-time career leader in kills at 1,790, was a leader on a Buffs team that finished 26-6 (11-1 Big Eight). CU won the Big Eight regular season and Big Eight Tournament titles on their way to a deep run into the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.

Through the season Downey lead the Buffs in kills during 16 matches, and in seven matches she also lead the Buffs in digs as well. Downey ended her junior season pulling off the kill-dig combo in the Big Eight Tournament final, and in both of CU’s NCAA Tournament games. Karrie Downey became first Buff to record over 500 kills in a season.

Moment 15 - Vranesh finishes second-all time as CU assist leaders

1993

1993; Senior setter Nicole Vranesh entered her season, along with her fellow Buffs, with high expectations for not only herself but the team. As the season rolled along, Vranesh and the Buffs met all of those expectations as Vranesh finished her senior season with a career total of 5,261 assists, a number that still puts her second-all time on the CU assists leaders.

Entering her senior season Vranesh was just under 4,000 career assists, a number she passed up early in the season, and that set up her run at 5,000 through the season. As the final game against Missouri approached Vranesh sat with 4,973 assists looking to finish off the deed before heading into postseason play.

It didn’t take her long to pass that number recording her 5,000th assist early in the match en route to 46 assists in the match helping the Buffs wrap up their regular season. Vranesh helped CU make a deep run into the postseason, as they won the Big Eight Tournament and made it all the way into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

By the end of it all Vranesh lead the Big Eight in assists per game (13.49) which was also a good enough number to place her fourth in the NCAA that season. She also finished her career playing in 343 consecutive games. Vranesh’s senior season was one for her and the Buffs to remember, and it’s still a performance that is talked about around Boulder volleyball circles to this day.

Moment 14 - The Buffs get two wins in single season against Illinois

1993

1993; Two wins against Illinois. 3-2 against No. 9 Illinois put Buffs in top ten for first time. A 3-0 win against Illinois on 12/5 is programs first NCAA Tournament win, first Sweet 16 appearance. Going into 1993 the Buffs expected big things, and it showed on paper, as the Buffs had set up the toughest schedule they had played in the eight-year history of the program. They also entered the season with a preseason ranking of 12th and Head Coach Brad Saindon sat on 96 wins, knocking on the door of the coveted 100th win.

The seasons started off as expected, CU ripped off three straight wins to start the season, and entered their matchup with No. 9 Illinois with a 3-1 record. Also coach Saindon entered with 99 wins, looking to double up on accomplishments by beating Illinois.

On Sep. 11, the match went as expected; it was a five set slugfest with both teams fighting for points. Illinois won the second and third set to take a two set lead entering the fourth set. CU had only been beaten by two points in the third losing 16-14, so the confidence was still high entering the fourth set. The Buffs, with their backs against the wall, won the next two sets (15-6, 15-9) too take solidify the huge upset.

It was coach Saindon’s 100th career win, making it all the more memorable, and the win propelled the Buffs into the top ten for the first time in program history. CU jumped up to the eighth ranking when the next rankings came out. And the Buffs didn’t look back, riding the confidence they achieved from that huge win to a 26-6 (11-1 Big Eight) record on the season. A Big Eight regular season title came at the end of the season, and CU’s second straight Big Eight Conference title topped off a great season.

But the Buffs weren’t done, and they entered the NCAA tournament with high hopes, two titles already, and goals of reaching new heights the program had only dreamed of previously. Standing in CU’s way was a familiar foe from earlier in the season, the now ranked No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini. CU had earned a first-round bye, and entered the match with Illinois as the number one seed in the Midwest Region.

CU was up to the task on Dec. 5, just as they had been previously in the season, as the growth of the Buff team throughout the 1993 season was evident in the outcome of the match. CU didn’t allow Illinois to even win a set, taking all three sets with ease, 15-7, 15-5, 15-10, and earning themselves the first ever Sweet 16 birth in CU history.

Although the Buffs would fall in the next round, they had just finished a great season, and 1993 can arguably be called the greatest season in Buff volleyball history.

Moment 13 - The Buffs knock off No. 8 Huskers

Nov. 27, 1993

11/27/93; Buff knock off No. 8 Huskers on 11/27 to win their second straight Big Eight Conference Tournament. The Buffs entered the 1993 as the defending Big Eight Tournament champions, and were looking to continue their new found dominance over the Big Eight. CU did just that in 1993, dominating throughout the season to win their first and only regular season Big Eight title. But the Buffs had unfinished business entering the Big Eight Tournament. They had a title to defend.

Riding a six match winning streak and a national ranking of ninth, CU entered the Big Eight Tournament final against a familiar foe, the No. 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Just the previous season CU had beaten the Huskers to win the title, only to see the Huskers turn around the next week and knock the Buffs out of the NCAA Tournament. So this was a chance for a bit of redemption for the Buffs, and a chance for a second straight Big Eight title.

CU dropped the first set to the Huskers 15-7, but then bounced back in the second set 15-10. The two teams then traded set wins, setting up a fifth and final set. CU started the fifth set with an 11-3 lead, before Nebraska clawed back into the set closing the gap to 11-8. But the Buffs dug in and held off the Nebraska rally, setting up junior Janine Zumerchik to send home her eleventh and winning kill giving CU the set 15-11 and the match 3-2.

Junior Karrie Downey crushed 25 kills in the match on her way to being named to the all-tournament team. Joining Downey on the all-tournament team was junior Staci Wolfe, who logged seven aces throughout the tournament. Senior Nicole Vranesh was named MVP of the finals setting 59 balls in the match, in her final Big Eight Tournament match.

CU parlayed their success into a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament appearance, in what is still considered to be the best season in the volleyball program’s history.

Moment 12 - The Buffs knock off No. 11 Nebraska at home

Oct. 13, 1993

10/13/93; The Buffs knock off No.11 Nebraska at home, setting up a run for the Buffs to win their first and still only regular season conference title. The Buffs had won a Big Eight Tournament title in 1992, but they had yet to snag a regular season title. The following season of 1993 saw that happen, as CU finished the season 26-6 (11-1 Big Eight) on their way to earning the first, and still to this day, only regular season title.

The title run was started on Oct. 13, 1993 as the Buffs defeated the No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers in a five set battle in Boulder. It was a hard fought victory that saw both teams trade set wins until CU was able to finish off the Huskers, winning the fifth set 15-9.

The win against Nebraska launched CU into an unprecedented run, which lead them to the title. Following the defeat of Nebraska, CU won the next ten out of 11 matches. All of those matches except for two were against Big Eight opponents. And CU didn't just win the matches they dominated, sweeping eight of the ten matches in three sets. In fact the Buffs only played in one five set match during the 11 game stretch, defeating Oklahoma in five sets following the only loss that CU took during the winning streak.

That stretch of games locked up the regular season title for CU, and the Buffs parlayed their regular season success into a NCAA Tournament run that took them to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. The season was a culmination of CU's program growing from its infancy in 1986, to local and national prominence at the end of 1993.

Moment 11 - The Buffs top No. 7 Nebraska for first league title

Nov. 28, 1992

11/28/92; The Buffs top No. 7 Nebraska, the programs first win over a top ten team and the Buffs won the Big 8 Tournament Championship, 1st league title for the Buffs. Colorado had been to the Big Eight Tournament, they'd won against a ranked opponent, and they'd made the trip to the NCAA Tournament. But just getting there isn't enough to truly advance a program and on Nov. 28, 1992 the Buffs took a huge step towards the program's growth, knocking off their first top ten team ever and winning their first ever league title, defeating the No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers 3-1 in the 1992 Big Eight Tournament's final game.

After finishing the season 22-9 (10-2 Big Eight) CU was ranked 15th nationally and were sitting in second place in the Big Eight's final standings. They entered the Big Eight Tournament with a second seed and drew Iowa State in the first round. CU took care of the Cyclones in three straight sets to make it to the championship.

The Buffs had never beaten Nebraska before, and they were ready to end that streak in Omaha, Neb., right down the street from Nebraska's Lincoln campus. CU came out of the gate strong and won the first two sets to get ahead of the Huskers quickly 2-0. Nebraska then won the third set 15-9, looking to get back into the match. But CU wanted nothing to do with a fifth set, finishing the deal in the fourth set 15-8 and earning the schools first ever league title.

Senior Michele Kohler won the tournament MVP, and her 23 kills and 17 digs in the championship game solidified CU's victory. It was a crowning achievement for a program that was still reaching for the stars, and it was only the third time since the Big Eight Tournament began in 1981 that Nebraska hadn't won the title. CU had put its footprint on the Big Eight and the Buffs had no intentions of letting up the pressure in the seasons to come.

Moment 10 - Nicole Vranesh leads the NCAA in assists per game with 1,712 and averaged 13.67 per set

Sept. 15, 2016

1991; Nicole Vranesh leads the NCAA in assists per game with 1,712 and averaged 13.67 per set. Sophomore Nicole Vranesh was giving a tall task during the 1991 season, and that was to be the lone setter for the Buffs on a team with high goals and the talent to achieve those goals. Vranesh responded to the call by performing at the highest level while she put together one of the best seasons ever for a CU setter.

By the time the season came to an end, Vranesh had finished with an NCAA leading 1,712 assists and she averaged 13.67 assists per set throughout the entire season. Vranesh also never missed a match for the entire season, holding onto the role as CU's lone setter throughout the season and helping lead the Buffs to a 25-10 final record. Vranesh performance still resonates in the CU record books, as she still holds the record for most assists in a single season. It was a season and performance that will be remembered in Boulder for many more years to come.

Moment 9 - The Buffs Top No. 11 Pepperdine, First Win Over a Ranked Team

Sept. 13, 2016

9/13/91; The Buffs top No. 11 Pepperdine, the first win over a ranked team. In 1991 the CU Volleyball program entered its fifth season of play, and the young program already had some great achievements and wins under its belt. But one win still eluded the Buffs, and that was a win against a ranekd opponent.

Early on in the 1991 season the Buffs made a trip to the Northwest to take part in the Washington Eddie Bauer First Serve Classic, in Seattle, Wash. looking to finally get over that hump of not beating a ranked opponent. That metaphorical hump was in the form of the No. 11 Pepperdine Waves. And for CU the chance would come early as they played Pepperdine in the first game at the tournament.

The match didn't start off the way CU would have hoped, as the Buffs would drop the first set 6-15 to fall in an early ditch. But the Buff women quickly turned things around tearing off two straight set wins, 15-2, 15-11 to go up 2-1 in the match entering what they hoped would be the fourth and final set. But Pepperdine lived up to their top 15 ranking as they didn't lay down for CU, taking the fourth set 15-7 from CU to force a fifth and deciding set.

Halfway through the fifth and final set, the score was at nine all and CU had the serve. Sophomore setter Nicole Vranesh stepped up to serve in the 9-9 game looking to give CU a foothold in the set. She delivered serving for three straight points as the Buffs took a lead they didn’t give back, eventually winning the set 15-10 and the match 3-2. For the Buffs it was a momentous occasion, as they had finally notched another historic win to the programs growing resume.

Moment 8 - Jennifer Sherlock Records 4,000 Assists, First Buff To Earn Academic All-District In 1990

Sept. 8, 2016

1990; Jennifer Sherlock becomes the first Buff to record 4,000 career assists and is the first Buff to be named Academic All-District Jennifer Sherlock entered her senior season at CU as one of the most successful setters for CU up to that point and she laid the foundation going forward for future Buffs. Sherlock did this by recording her 4,000th career assist during the 1990 season. During her time at CU Sherlock lead the Buffs in assists all four seasons, a record that stood until 1999 and Sherlock is still one of three women who have ever lead the Buffs in all four seasons.

Sherlock didn’t only perform on the court, she was also was performing in the classroom. Her 3.63 G.P.A. was good enough to get Sherlock named to the Academic All-District Team for the first time. She was the first Buff to ever be named to the prestigious list for the volleyball program. For Sherlock it was a year to remember and a great way to wrap up her career at CU.

Moment 7 - Dec. 2, 1989 - First NCAA Tournament Appearance

Sept. 6, 2016

In 1988 CU’s volleyball program surprised the country by winning 22 games and knocked on the door of the NCAA Tournament in just its third year of existence. The Buffs began 1989 looking to build on the previous season and truly start the foundation of a program that would become a force within the Big Eight and nationally for years to come.

After another 22 win season, including finishing the regular season ranked No. 14 in the nation, CU finally got the invite it had been waiting for, as the Buffs received an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament and earned themselves a fourth seed and a trip to Minneapolis, Minn. to take on the fifth seeded Minnesota Gophers in the first round.

Although the Buffs would lose the match in straight sets (0-3), they weren’t blown out in any of the sets showing how competitive the young program had become. Building on their first trip to the tournament, the Buffs would go on to make the tournament the next 11 out of 12 seasons with the only break being in 1990. Making 1989 a launching point for a program that was no longer in its infancy having grown up faster than anyone could have imagined.

Moment 6 - Lisa Soulliere Records 15 Blocks In A Match

Sept. 1, 2016

1989 saw yet another record set that has yet to be touched in the past 27 years, this time it was Lisa Soullier’s turn to etch her name in the books, recording 15 blocks on Nov. 17, against the then ranked No. 7 Texas Longhorns in a late season conference battle in Austin, Texas.

Soullier, who was wrapping up her senior season at CU, was able to set herself apart from the rest of the competition, as no one on either side of the net came close to the amount of blocks that Soullier was in on throughout the match. Her performance allowed CU to push the match to five sets, almost leading the Buffs to what would have been the biggest regular season win to date for the rapidly growing program.

Moment 5 - Tina Murray Gets 24 Digs In Three Sets

August 30, 2016

It’s not often that a record set within the first four years of a program still stands in that same program’s 30th season, but there are always exceptions and in the case of Tina Murray her record 24-digs in a 3-set match stands as an exception 27 years later.

Murray, then a junior at CU, set the record during CU’s first match of the Purdue Premier Tournament in West Lafayette, Ind. against then ranked No. 18 San Jose State on Sep. 8, 1989. Although the Buffs would lose the match (0-3), Murray played at a top level for the entire match, not only recording the record 24 digs, but she also added a team leading 14 kills to round out a historic performance in Buffs Volleyball history.

Moment 4 - Stephanie Salgado, Brad Saindon, 22 Wins In 1988

Released Aug. 25, 2016

It had only been three years, but Colorado had quickly built up a respectable volleyball program. Having taken care of several milestones during the previous two seasons, head coach Brad Saindon expected big things from the team in 1988. And the Buffs delivered for their coach, finishing the season 22-13 (8-4, Big Eight) and putting together a solid run in the Big Eight Tournament achieving a second place finish just a season after winning their first postseason match ever. CU’s 22 wins looked even more impressive when compared to the combined 15 wins CU had gotten in its first two seasons. It was CU’s first winning season, along with also being CU’s first 20 win season in program history.

Saindon was rewarded by voters in the Big Eight as he would be voted conference Coach of the Year despite the Buffs getting shorted for the NCAA Tournament. It would be the first of three times that Saindon would get the honor while at CU (1988, 1992, and 1993). Along with Saindon being the first ever coach of the year for CU, sophomore Stephane Salgado gained another honor for the Buffs becoming the first ever player to be named to the All-Big Eight First Team. Salgado played in all 122 games for the Buffs and was second on the team in kills (389), total attempts (879), and aces (55). The two individual awards given during the postseason, capped off one of the more historic seasons in CU volleyball history since it was a season of great firsts and success for the rapidly growing program.

Moment 3 - Buffs Beat Iowa State in Big Eight Tournament in five for first postseason win in 1987

Released Aug. 23, 2016

CU finished the 1987 regular season 8-19 (3-9 Big Eight) and entered the Big Eight Conference Tournament seeded in sixth place out of seven schools. Pre-tournament coaches’ polls even picked the Buffs to finish last despite being seeded sixth. CU was paired up with the third seeded Iowa State Cyclones in the first round on Nov. 11 and the stage was set for CU to set a milestone in program history.

The match started how most people had predicted it would, as ISU took the first set rather easily 15-5. The Cyclones followed that set up with another victory in the second set 15-12. Despite the effort put forth by the Buffs, they trailed quickly by two sets facing a quick exit from the tournament.

The Buffs felt confident entering the third set, knowing they faced three must-win sets, and began the task one set at a time. Freshman Tina Murray (20 kills and three aces) took charge for CU as it took care of the third set 15-12 to stay alive. Still facing a must-win, the Buffs then began to build momentum and flipped the match on its head taking the fourth set in convincing fashion 15-9.

The pressure was on for the Cyclones as the Buffs rode their momentum into the final set. Having already sent waves through the tournament by forcing a fifth set, CU was ready to finish the job. The Buffs made sure they kept the momentum on their side as they would fight off ISU in the fifth set to finalize the comeback victory 16-14. The moment was the final bright spot in 1987 but it was one of many that the young program had experienced in just its second year.

Moment 2 - Buffs defeat Michigan State and Louisville in first ever home invitational; first two wins against NCAA DI schools, in 1987

Released Aug. 19, 2016

The Buffs had gotten the programs first win out of the way during the previous season, but still had a summit to reach in the form of an NCAA Division I victory. September 11, 1987 brought not only one but two DI victories, both at home and both during the Buffs’ first ever home invitational at the Coors Invitational at the Coors Events Center, which opened that year.

The first domino to fall for the Buffs was against Michigan State in straight sets 15-7, 15-10, 15-9. Freshman Tina Murray led the way to victory for the Buffs with 10 kills and 11 digs, making sure the Buffs first ever win against a Division I opponent was never in question. The win was the Buffs first in that 1987 season, but more importantly they had finally tasted victory against a major opponent and they were thirsty for more.

An opportunity to quench that thirst for victory came later in the evening as the Buffs faced Louisville in their second match of the day. And the Buffs yet again rose to the occasion to lock up their second straight win against a Division I opponent, 15-3, 15-7, 13-15, 15-13, adding to the already historic day for the young program. While Murray yet again filled the stat sheet (11 kills, 19 digs and five aces) on her way to the Coors Invitational All-Tournament team, it was juniors Wendy Callahan and Susan Magda who stepped up and gave the Buffs the extra effort they needed to solidify their second win on that day.

Moment 1 - CU’s First Win in Program History, 3-0 at UC-Colorado Springs on Oct. 1, 1986

Released Aug. 17, 2016