Colorado University Athletics

Friday, November 4
Boulder, Colo.
6:00 PM

Colorado

vs

Stanford

Stephanie Shadley
Stephanie Shadley goes for a kill against Oregon State
Photo by: Mark Waldron

Buffs Host Pivotal Matches Against No. 13 Stanford and Cal

November 02, 2016 | Volleyball

BOULDER — Colorado returns to Coors Events Center for another pair of pivotal Pac-12 matches this weekend. CU hosts No. 13 Stanford on Friday, November 4, at 6 p.m. The Buffs will face California on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 12 p.m.
 
Friday's match against Stanford will be televised live nationally on Pac-12 Network, while Sunday's contest against California will be broadcast live on Pac-12 Mountain and Pac-12 Bay Area.  Live stats for both matches are available at CUBuffs.com.  
 
ABOUT THE BUFFS: The Buffs have recorded a 12-10 overall record this season. They are also 4-8 in the Pac-12, which is ninth in the league standings. CU ranks 43rd in blocks per set nationally (2.51), which is fourth in the Pac-12.
 
Individually, the Buffs are led by Alexa Smith, who is averaging 3.19 kills per set. At the net, sophomore Naghede Abu is averaging the 47th best total in the country, sixth in the Pac-12, at 1.28 blocks per set.
 
Junior Gabby Simpson and senior Kiara McKibben have been running a very successful 6-2 offense, as seen in CU's hitting efficiency (.236). Simpson is averaging 5.50 assists per set, but also adds 2.58 kills per set, the second best total on the team, as well. McKibben is recording 6.10 assists per set. Senior Cierra Simpson leads the Buffs with 3.53 digs per set.
 
ABOUT STANFORD: The Cardinal is ranked 13th overall in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll with a 14-6 record. Stanford is tied for third in the Pac-12 with an 8-4 mark.
 
The Cardinal leads the NCAA in blocks (3.38 per set) and has four players averaging over 1.00 blocks per set. Inky Ajanaku is fourth in the nation with 1.57 blocks per set, while Audriana Fitzmorris is 13th nationally with 1.45 blocks per set. The other two blockers are Merete Lutz (1.15) and Katherine Plummer (1.03).  Ajanaku also ranks 13th in the NCAA with a .400 hitting percentage, which leads the Pac-12. Another top performer for SU is Morgan Hentz, who is fourth in the Pac-12 with 4.51 digs per set.
 
Stanford leads the all-time series against CU at 16-1. The Cardinal took the first meeting between the two teams earlier this year on Oct. 7 (25-17, 23-25, 25-19, 25-18) in Stanford, Calif. The Buffs defeated the Cardinal for the first time (3-1) on Oct. 18, 2015 in Boulder. The Buffs won with scores of 25-23, 27-25, 23-25, 25-21.
 
ABOUT CALIFORNIA: The Bears are 9-13 overall and are 10th in the Pac-12 with a 3-9 record. Cal is led by Christine Alftin, who is averaging 2.83 kills per set. Bailee Huizenga (2.68) and Jenelle Jordan (2.37) are second and third, respectively. Alyssa Jensen ranks third in the Pac-12, 61st in the NCAA, with 10.44 assists per set, directing the Bears to a .208 hitting efficiency. Mandy Kerr is sixth in the league with 3.98 digs per set.
 
The series between the two schools is tied 6-6. The Buffs won four straight matches heading into this season, but the Bears snapped that streak when they defeated CU 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 25-21) on Oct. 9.  
 
FRIDAY'S PROMOTIONS
  • Fans can get $1 hotdogs at the match (limit two per person).
  • Fans who bring their football ticket stub from the Thursday, Nov. 3 UCLA football game will get free admission.
  • There will also be a post-match autograph session on the concourse above section 4.
 
SATURDAY'S PROMOTIONS
  • Fans can purchase four general admission tickets for $10.
  • There will be a youth clinic following the match for kids eighth grade and under. Register at CUBuffs.com/VBClinic.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
In an effort to provide a safer environment for fans, the University of Colorado will be implementing a clear bag policy at the Coors Events Center for all CU volleyball matches, men's basketball and women's basketball games this season (2016).
               
Beginning this season, fans may bring one clear bag no larger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches, or a one-gallon reseal-able clear plastic storage bag, into the arena. Fans will also be allowed one small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.          
               
Bags that will no longer be allowed into the CEC include backpacks, large purses, oversized tote bags, camera bags and binocular cases, diaper bags, fanny packs and printed plastic bags.
               
For more information check out the following links: http://www.cubuffs.com/news/2016/8/14/football-cu-to-implement-clear-bag-policy-at-folsom-field.aspx and http://www.cubuffs.com/sports/2004/8/15/folsom-field-policies.aspx#permitted.
 
TICKETS
Single match tickets start at $5 for general admission and are $8 for reserved seats. Tickets for kids 12 and under are free. Season tickets are also available and start at just $25 for general admission, while reserved seats are $40. Fans can purchase single match and season tickets online at CUBuffs.com or by calling 303-49-BUFFS.
 
 
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