University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
0-1,0-1Big Sky
Montana State
1-0,1-0Big Sky
Bears drop season opener, look ahead to rematch tomorrow
1/24/2021 5:38:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo. – The long-anticipated return of Northern Colorado Volleyball came to an end Sunday afternoon at the Bank of Colorado Arena. However, it was Montana State who spoiled the defending champs day, walking away with a 3-0 (25-22, 28-26, 25-18) win.
UNC jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the opening set behind kills from Taylor Muff, Rachel Hickman and Cece Huhn. After a number of unforced errors, though, momentum swung back to Montana State's side when its lead stretched to 12-8.
It was the first time suiting up in the Blue and Gold for Hickman. The sophomore transfer from Kansas finished with eight kills, a block and an assist.
Head coach Lyndsey Oates crew rallied back to tie the set at 21 before the Bobcats pulled away in the final moments.
S1 | Tied up at 21‼️#BearsStrong #BigSkyVB pic.twitter.com/lGGrQJLXcm
— UNC Bears Volleyball (@UNC_BearsVB) January 24, 2021
The two programs traded blows in the second. In total, the set featured five lead changes and 11 ties.
S2 | What a rally 🤯#BearsStrong #BigSkyVB pic.twitter.com/X2QPsM8E3c
— UNC Bears Volleyball (@UNC_BearsVB) January 24, 2021
As the set stretched past the 25-point mark, the Bears had several set points but were unable to capitalize, leading to a two-set deficit.
In the end, Montana State's block proved too disruptive. MSU's front row combined for 12 total blocks, ultimately leading to UNC's first loss of the season.
Junior outside hitter Kailey Jo Ince finished with a team-high 10 kills while senior setter Daisy Schultz tallied 33 assists and three kills. Laura Katarzynski led the way serving, dialing up three of the team's six aces.
S3 | ACE for the Bears 🔥🔥#BearsStrong #BigSkyVB pic.twitter.com/bir4bpRmFL
— UNC Bears Volleyball (@UNC_BearsVB) January 24, 2021
Post-match Thoughts
Game Notes
- Kansas transfer Rachel Hickman earned her first start in the Blue and Gold.
- Freshmen Syd Cole and Lauren Strain both saw their first action as a Bear
- Lauren Hinrichs finished with a team-leading .400 attack percentage.
- UNC served up six aces as a team. Katarzynski accounted for four, Muff had two and Michaela Boon had one.
What's Ahead?
It'll be a quick turnaround for Northern Colorado. The Bears reset to face Montana State one last time on Monday at 6 p.m. MT.
