Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer)
Give the Colorado volleyball team credit for this: Under coach Jesse Mahoney, the Buffaloes are developing a habit of coming on strong when it matters most.
For the second consecutive year, a big push down the stretch has vaulted the Buffs into the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday night, Mahoney's club learned it will take on South Carolina in a first-round match Friday at the University of Minnesota.
It is the second consecutive NCAA tourney berth for CU and the program's fourth over the past six seasons. Last year, the Buffs defeated James Madison and host Baylor in the first two rounds before falling to eventual national champion Nebraska in CU's first Sweet 16 appearance in 20 years.