DENVER ? Amber Sutherland lead Colorado with 19 kills as the Buffs rolled past Northern Colorado here at Hamilton Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Denver 30-20, 30-24, 30-22. The Buffs improved to 15-12 with the win, which is one more victory than last season.
Colorado hit .400 in the match, the second highest hitting percentage of the season, with three attackers hitting .500 or better. The Buffs recorded 60 kills on 110 swings with just 16 errors. Sutherland hit .552 and Allie Griffin recorded a .526 hitting percentage with 12 kills. Alex Buth recorded three kills on six attacks to hit .500. Ashley Nu'u dished out 50 assists.
The Buffs picked up 48 digs compared to UNC's 29. Colorado held the Bears to a .129 attack percentage. Sutherland recorded a double-double with a match-best 13 digs. Nicole Carr tallied 12 digs.
The Buffs got out to a quick start in the first game. CU went up 8-3 and increased its lead to 24-15. UNC rallied back with four straight points, but Carr recorded a kill to end the comeback. The Buffs finished off the first set 30-20 with an ace from the birthday girl, Therese Vinal.
Northern Colorado kept the second frame close and even tied the score three times until the Buffs took a six-point advantage at 19-13. The Bears came back within two points at 26-24 by scoring five straight, but CU closed the game by taking the next four points.
Colorado took at 12-5 advantage in the final game before UNC took a timeout. The Buffs took their largest lead of the set at 22-14 before the Bears tacked on four points. UNC got back within three points, but a kill from Carr and a UNC error gave CU a five-point lead. Buth hammered the final kill of the match as the Buffs won 30-22.
Colorado awaits the NCAA Tournament selection. The selection show will be announced on ESPNNEWS Sunday, Nov. 27, between 12:30 and 1 p.m. MT.
