BREAKING: The Colorado Buffaloes’ NCAA Tournament journey has ended abruptly with a 3-0 loss against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round, played at Wilkinson Hall, Bloomington, on December 5, 2025. This defeat marks a disappointing conclusion for the Buffs, who were seeking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017.
In front of an energized Hoosier home crowd, Indiana swept Colorado with set scores of 25-20, 25-17, 25-23, showcasing their prowess on the court. The Hoosiers, ranked 15th nationally, advance to the Sweet 16 with a season record of 25-7, while the 24th-ranked Buffs conclude their season at 23-9.
Buffaloes head coach Jesse Mahoney expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, highlighting missed opportunities, particularly in the first and third sets. “We made some errors at inopportune times,” Mahoney said, acknowledging the strong play of Indiana’s left-side hitters.
“I would have liked for us to have played a little bit better,” Mahoney stated. “Indiana definitely made great plays when it mattered.”
Indiana’s standout players included Candela Alonso-Corcelles, who recorded 16 kills with an impressive .556 hitting percentage, and freshman Jaidyn Jager, who added 15 kills. The Hoosiers finished with a team hitting percentage of .378, significantly higher than Colorado’s .208.
Despite a promising start, with the Buffs leading 6-2 and 9-5 in the first set, Indiana quickly rallied, tying the score at 11-11 and ultimately taking control. The second set saw Colorado briefly regain momentum, but Indiana’s 5-1 run sealed the Buffs’ fate. In a nail-biting third set, Colorado led 22-17 before Indiana closed the match with an 8-1 run.
For senior Sarah Morton, who hails from nearby Munster, Indiana, the loss was bittersweet. “I’m playing in my home state, but obviously, ‘Go Colorado’ for the rest of my life,” Morton reflected, appreciating the support from familiar faces in the stands.
“I’m proud of this team. I’m proud of who we are as individuals. We put up a fight till the very end,” Morton added.
Colorado’s season marked a significant turnaround from last year, where they finished 13-17. Expectations were low entering this season, with the Buffs predicted to finish 10th in the Big 12, yet they achieved a third-place finish and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
As the team looks to the future, Mahoney remains optimistic. “Going through a season like this is going to be a learning experience for us, and I fully expect us to be a better team next year,” he concluded.
As fans and players process this season-ending loss, all eyes will be on the Buffs as they regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead in the next season.
