By BuffZone.com

Despite a losing streak and season-long struggles against elite competition, the Colorado volleyball team had an opportunity to make a big early statement at No. 17 Baylor. When that opportunity was wasted, things unraveled in a hurry for the Buffaloes.

No. 17 Baylor rolled past the Buffs on Friday night, sweeping visiting CU 26-24, 25-16, 25-20 in a Big 12 Conference battle. The loss was a season-high fifth in a row for the Buffs, who also fell to 0-6 this season against ranked opponents. CU is 1-11 against ranked teams since the start of last season. At the end of a tightly contested opening set, the Buffs had a chance to take an early advantage after a kill by Sydney Jordan gave CU a 24-23 lead. Baylor, though, scored the next three points, and the Buffs never truly threatened again. The Buffs (10-13, 3-8) led only briefly early in the second set, as the Bears closed the frame with an 11-3 run to take a 2-0 set lead. To CU’s credit, it didn’t go away quietly, building an 11-6 lead in the third set. The Bears quickly rallied, though, pulling into a 14-14 tie with an 8-3 run before taking control late with a 6-1 burst.

As has been the case for much of the season, CU struggled on the attack, posting a .140 hitting percentage while Baylor finished with a .340 mark. Only three of the Buffs’ 13 losses this season have occurred via a sweep, but all three have happened during the current five-game losing streak.

CU will attempt to end its losing streak when it returns home next week for contests against Utah and Cincinnati.