University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
2-0
Western Illinois
0-2
Bears Split Final Day of Ball State Tournament
8/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
UNCBears.com
Muncie, Ind. - - Northern Colorado volleyball wrapped up their first weekend of play splitting matches between Western Illinois and Ball State, bringing their record to 2-1 overall.
In the first match on the day Northern Colorado defeated Western Illinois 3-1 (30-28, 19-25, 25-9, 25-23).
The Bears used a solid offensive attack in the match to lead to victory hitting .326 overall. Offensively Northern Colorado was led by sophomore setter Ashley Guthrie's .692 hitting percentage with 9 kills. Along with the 9 kills Guthrie recorded her second double-double of the season (41 assists and 11 digs).
Four other Bears finished with a hitting percentage over .350, they were: Brianna Strong (.353), Andrea Spaustat (.378), Alex Kloehn (.364), and Katie Champion (.360). Champion recorded a career high 12 kills in the match.
Once again the Bears defense turned it up a notch coming out of the locker room for sets three and four, holding the Leathernecks to -.258 and .172 respectively.
The final match between Northern Colorado and Ball State went to the host Cardinals 3-0 (21-25, 22-25, 23-25). The Bears offense was held in check during the match hitting .108 and having only one player with double digit kills.
"We just couldn't get our offense going in the night match," said head coach Lyndsey Oates. "We have more to work on after this weekend, but I was pleased with what I saw from the team."
Andrea Spaustat finished with 10 kills along with 13 digs; giving her, her the third double-double of the season. Spaustat's effort over the tournament earned All-Tournament Honors.
"Andrea had a great weekend and is one of our go-to hitters," said Oates, "we will continue to use her a lot offensively."
The Bears will now head home for the Northern Colorado/Colorado State Classic starting Wednesday, September 3, against eighteenth ranked Colorado State. The tournament continues Friday September 5 when the Bears host sixth ranked and last year's national runner-up Wisconsin, and concluding Saturday, September 6 against Florida A&M. All matches are at Butler-Hancock at 7:00 p.m.
