The American University volleyball team faced a tough defeat against #24 Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, ending their season. The Eagles concluded the year with an impressive 24-5 record, marking a historic achievement for the program as the youngest team ever to qualify for the tournament. Key performances included Salme Adeele Hollas with 10 kills and Deniz Dakak with 23 assists. Despite some strong sequences, AU could not overcome Colorado's early dominance in the sets, resulting in a straight-set loss. This match wraps up a significant season for the Eagles, showcasing their potential for future success.

By the Numbers
  • American University finished the season with a record of 24-5.
  • Colorado hit .364 in the first set and maintained high efficiency throughout the match.
  • Deniz Dakak ended the season with a total of 1,028 assists.
State of Play
  • The Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Colorado established dominance early, winning the first set 25-16 and maintaining control throughout the match.
  • American University displayed resilience with strong performances from younger players.
What's Next

The Eagles will focus on development and training as they return a largely young roster for the next season. Expectations will be high for the upcoming year, aiming to build on this historic season's success and experience.

Bottom Line

American University volleyball has laid a strong foundation for future seasons with significant achievements and a young team capable of growth. The experience gained in the NCAA Tournament will be invaluable as they work towards competing at higher levels in the future.