american University Volleyball Season Ends with First-Round Loss to Colorado in NCAA Tournament
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The American University volleyball team’s historic season concluded Thursday with a straight-set defeat to fifth-seeded and 24th-ranked Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Eagles finished the year with a 24-5 overall record.
This marks the 19th NCAA Tournament appearance for American University, though this year’s team was uniquely positioned as the youngest in programme history-comprised of three freshmen, seven sophomores, and three juniors, with no seniors. The loss concludes a season of significant achievement for the program, signaling a promising future despite the disappointing tournament exit.
Salme Adeele Hollas led the Eagles with 10 kills, while Carly Sciborski contributed seven kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Sophie Dufour also tallied seven kills and added eight digs.Sophomore setter Deniz Dakak dished out 23 assists, recorded six digs, and added three blocks, finishing her season with 1,028 total assists.
Colorado dominated the match, opening the first set with a 10-3 run and ultimately winning 25-16. The Buffaloes continued their strong performance in the second set, overcoming an early 5-4 Eagles lead with a 13-2 run to secure a 25-19 victory. Colorado closed out the match with a 25-16 win in the third set, leading from the start. The Buffaloes hit .364 in the first frame and consistently controlled play throughout the contest. Despite a late 4-0 run by American in the second set, featuring kills from Dufour and a block by Dakak, Colorado proved too strong.
