Two weeks ago, the University of Colorado volleyball team took on two of the nation's top programs at the annual Big 10/Pac-12 Challenge.
The Buffs weren't victorious that weekend, but at least they felt as if they held their own against two-time defending national champion Penn State as well as nationally-ranked Illinois.
Which made last week's effort at the Rice Invitational all the more discouraging.
Despite recording sweeps of Sam Houston State and Louisiana-Lafayette, the Buffs proceeded to falter in a four-set loss against the host Owls. The defeat dropped CU out of the top 25 for the first time this season and left the Buffs eager to get back on track this weekend as they host the Omni Invitational on Friday and Sunday before bracing for the start of Pac-12 Conference play.