Bears Finish Fourth at D-I Independent Championships After Loss to IPFW

Nov. 12, 2005

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GREELEY, Colo. - After not losing a home match in nearly four years, the University of Northern Colorado dropped three in a row to finish play at the 2005 Division I Independent Championships, losing their finale 3-0 to IPFW on Saturday night at Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion.

Northern Colorado (14-14) dropped its pool play finale on Friday night to IPFW and then were swept earlier in the day on Saturday by Utah Valley State, the first straight sets loss at home since the 1996 season. After losing on Saturday night to IPFW (24-6), it marked the first back-to-back straight sets losses since 1983.

The Mastodons came out hot, winning the first set by 10 points and never looked back. They won game two 30-17 and Northern Colorado was never able to get into the flow of the match. IPFW completed the sweep with a 30-23 third set victory.

Fabiana Souza led IPFW with 12 kills, while Claire Jackson, Amanda Pfister and Jessica Miller had 10 apiece.

Northern Colorado struggled with its hitting, managing .202 for the match. Lenay Goble had nine kills and hit .421 (9-1-19) to lead the Bears while Meredith Alder had eight kills and hit .533 (8-0-15). UNC got only seven of its 38 kills from outside hitters.

Sophomore Abby Mayne earned a spot on the tournament's All-Tournament team.

Utah Valley State claimed the tournament championship, defeating South Dakota State 3-1 in the Championship Match.

The Bears host an Alumni exhibition match next Sunday (Nov. 20, 5 p.m.). They will close the season on Nov. 25-26 at the Denver Thanksgiving Classic. They battle the host Pioneers on Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and meet up with Colorado on Noov. 26 at 5 p.m.