Haven’t Ya Herd? 9 and 0 Volleyball Buffs on a Hot Streak after Defeating #15 Utah
The University of Colorado Boulder's women's volleyball team is riding a winning streak that has the potential to carry them to the championships. But despite their early season success, the stands sat empty during Friday night’s game.
During their ninth game on Friday, Sept. 24, the Buff's took home a 3-0 win against the University of Utah. The team has already surpassed last year's record of 8-12 and is currently ranked 18th in the country. The Buffs showed up to play but fans however did not.
“Last year obviously we couldn’t have very many fans but our freshman year, we could, and it was always like times when CU would post more stuff like that we got more people.” Taylor Simpson, the second string setter for the Buffs says.
CU’s Volleyball team continues their winning streak extending it to a 9-0 season against the Utah Utes. Taking down another great opponent in the Pac 12 conference. The Buffs have also defeated South Carolina State, Xavier, Charlotte, Iowa, Illinois, Texas Tech, San Jose State, Northern Colorado, Colorado State, and the most recent Utah. Compared to last year's record of 8-12 the Buffs are already having an outstanding season which can put them in a strong position as a contender for conference champs.
The game took place at the Event Center Friday night. Utah, now 8-3 and ranked number 15 in the nation. The Buffs were able to sweep them in three sets to none taking the dub. The team was accompanied by the CU band (the only members in the designated student section) and the CU cheer team. Both did a great job keeping the fans engaged and entertained throughout the game.
With outstanding performances by Leah Clayton and Maya Tabron with 15 and 13 kills secured the win for the buffs on the offensive side. And outstanding defensive performances by Jenna Ewert and Meegan Hart both with 4 blocks a pair, continuing the Buffs win streak.
CU Athletics is planning to help prompt the team's success and attract fans to attend games. “Hav(ing) some themed games that I think will get students out and also the team playing well is definitely going to help us out on that front too” according to marketing producer Paige Robinson. “Having student admission for the games be free, there really shouldn't be many reasons for the low turnout rates.” CU students are allowed free entry at every home game.
Having a year without fans in the stands due to Covid restrictions all CU athletic programs lacked the fans support on game days. However now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, CU students in particular are eager to attend in person events. “It's a cool opportunity to capitalize on,” Robinson adds.
CU fan section Friday night before the second set. 9/24/2021
With a 1,236 fan turn out at home, a majority of the supporters were members of the Boulder community, mostly families, and CU athletics supporters. In comparison, there were 44153 fans at the CU vs. UNC football game. So how might the volleyball team attract more fans to their games being 9-0 and nationally ranked 18th in the nation and first in the Pac 12 conference? The Buffs can use all the support they can get from their fellow classmates and other student supporters by attending more home games. “By having more social media takeovers and just letting fans know how well we are doing and get to know us on a more personal level” Jill Schneggenburger, the outside hitter for the Buffs expressed her thoughts on how to attract more fans.
With an undefeated record and a tough schedule ahead against highly ranked opponents, the team could use the support from their fans to help keep up their winning record. CU volleyball isn’t a big money grabbing program, their success alone is what should attract fans to attend games. Not even the Buffs football program is nationally ranked nor has had an undefeated season or starting record in past few seasons. So how can CU athletics do a better job at promoting teams that are succeeding?
Post game celebration, the team gathers at the student section and joins in with the band singing the CU anthem. 9/24/2021
This all comes down to how CU athletics helps promote the success of all their teams and in all sports programs. “Posting about it and just the more that people who are here and tell their friends and spread it by word of mouth,” Simpson adds in reference to the BarstoolBuffs takeover on instagram a few weeks ago to help fans get to know the team a bit better. The Volleyball team expressed that there was a lack of promotion and their success this season and how by posting more on social media and spreading word around campus about how well they are performing can help bring the support they need from their fans.
The University of Colorado’s women’s volleyball team is on a hot streak, and it's important for CU needs to be doing a better job at promoting the success of all their athletic programs and encouraging their students to support their peers. “I think that if we keep up playing well as a team we can hopefully attract more fans to come,” says Schneggenburger.
