Austin Becomes Record Holder, CU Defeats Oregon State

BOULDER - In the Buffs' victory over Oregon State on Friday night, 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 15-10), Alexis Austin became the CU rally scoring era career kills record holder, finishing the game with 27 kills and 1,299 in her career.

“When we first started out, I thought, 'maybe not, I'll just do my best for the team,' and then it just came along as I kept fighting,” said Austin of her record. “I felt like tonight was definitely a great night on my behalf and as a team. To be honest, I can't do it without them.”

Austin became the record holder in the third set when she hit 1,284 kills, bringing the score to 7-5. The Buffs proceeded to win the set, 25-18.

Overall, the team made 72 kills, while Oregon State had 60. Gabby Simpson earned 15 kills of her own and Anna Pfefferle took 12. Meanwhile, Nicole Edelman tallied 47 of the Buffs' overall 66 assists.

“I think these kids did a great job; they came through when we needed to -- when it was difficult – which is the case a lot of nights,” said head coach Liz Kritza. “They answered the bell. They came back and did what they needed to and took care of business, and showed what they've been taught and the types of players they are. I'm really proud of them.”

CU took the very first set against the Beavers, 25-18. Oregon State earned the first few points for the lead, but Colorado quickly overtook them, and the Beavers were unable to rally back.

The Buffs couldn't keep their momentum in the second set and Oregon State took the win, 25-23. The Buffs had the lead early in the set, but the Beavers caught up and tied the score at 10-10 and again at 12-12 before taking the lead. CU tied Oregon State a total of five times throughout the set, but the Beavers came out victorious in the end in spite of a strong effort from the Buffs.

After a third set win, the Buffs fell to Oregon State in the fourth, 25-23. The Buffs battled hard and tied the set six times, but ultimately, the Beavers forced a fifth set.

“We had a couple of times where we had the lead and we let it go,” said Edelman. “We just talked about making sure that we are fighting, and we're doing it together.”

In the fifth set, Austin hit a career high of 27 kills, and made the final block of the match to bring the score to 15-10, and secure the victory for the Buffs.

The Buffs are now 14-9 overall and 6-5 in the Pac-12. They return to Coors Events Center Saturday at 7 p.m. to take on Oregon.

“We never shied away from a challenge and we won't shy away from this either. We played more sets, more attacks, and more jumping than we cared to, but this is the game,” said Kritza. “Playing in the Pac-12 means playing one tough opponent after another. We'll turn around, we'll rest, we'll recover, and we'll prepare.”