Outside hitter Mimi Colyer stepped up to the task in the match featuring the No. 11 Oregon Ducks (15-3, 7-2 Big Ten) and the unranked Maryland Terrapins (10-10, 1-8 Big Ten). Colyer provided a huge spark and gave the Ducks momentum throughout the match.
Colyer finished with a game-high 20 kills and 36 assists, dominating throughout the match. The Terrapins had no answer for her.
After the game, head coach Matt Ulmer spoke about Colyer.
“Because Mimi has been scoring so well, it gives us more opportunities in the backside for Michelle [Ohwobete] and Cristin [Cline],” Ulmer said.
Colyer has played well all season, averaging 4.2 kills per set and a .265 hit percentage. Colyer’s performances always spread throughout the rest of the team.
“When I am aggressive it gives more opportunities to my teammates,” Colyer said. “It opens up the middle and the back side for my teammates to get assists and kills.”
Colyer has given more and more opportunities to her teammates because the other teams are too focused on not allowing her to get to the ball. Ohwobete and Onye Ofoegbu have gotten a lot of kills and assists, thanks to the performances of Colyer. That was the case in Friday’s match. Ofoegbu and Ohwobete combined for 44 assists, most of which were to Colyer. Colyer did a great job at relocating when the ball was hit to the opposite side.
Colyer plays smart — she knows the spots on the court. She always ends up in the right place at the right time so that she can either get a kill or an assist.
Without Colyer, this Oregon team would likely not be ranked as high as it is. Every team needs a leader and Colyer is that leader for the Ducks. She is able to get her team in rhythm with her performances.
Colyer and the Ducks have one day off before returning to Matthew Knight Arena for another home matchup vs the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The game will be broadcast at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon on Big Ten Plus. You can also listen on the radio on KWVA Sports 88.1 FM.