University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Friday, October 29
Bozeman, Mont.
7 p.m. MT
University of Northern Colorado
at
Montana State
Volleyball travels to Montana to face Bobcats and Griz
10/28/2021 4:41:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado Volleyball looks to get back on track with a trip to Montana State and Montana over the weekend.
Who: at Montana State (11-11, 7-4) | at Montana (9-12, 4-7)
When: Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. MT | Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. MT
Where: Bozeman, Mont. | Missoula, Mont.
How To Follow: LIVE STREAM | LIVE STATS | UNCBearsVB
Quick Sets
Senior defensive specialist Laura Katarzynski continues to add to her record total of career aces. With one more last week, Katarzynski now claims 125. Kyndall Feather isn't far behind at 115.
As a team, the Bears rank first in the Big Sky in both assists per set (12.10) and kills per set (13.06).
Kailey Jo Ince, Rachel Hickman, Lauren Strain and Makenzie Harris have been the main beneficiaries on offense as three of the four ranks in the top-15 in the conference in kills per set individually.
Northern Colorado has served up 126 total aces this season. The sum ranks as the third-most in the Big Sky and 67th most in the nation. It also ranks as the 10th most in program history with six matches to go. In 2019, the Bears piled up 219 aces to set the program record.
The Bears' back row has been vitally important this season. UNC is 11-3 when leading in digs this fall.
Despite the loss, Lauren Strain posted one of her best blocking performances of the season against Sacramento State. Her seven total blocks tied her career-high. The sophomore also posted seven blocks against Northeastern in September.
Last time out
Northern Colorado fell in both of its west coast matches against Sacramento State and Portland State. While UNC competed in nearly every set, the Bears couldn't seal the deal and look to regroup in the Big Sky State.
Scouting Montana State
The Bobcats dropped a nailbiter to bitter rival Montana on Tuesday. Daniel Jones' squad will be looking for a big bounce-back win.
UNC swept MSU the last time these two programs squared off back on September 25. However, since then, Montana State took Weber State to five sets and rattled off wins against Sacramento State and Northern Arizona.
Reigning Big Sky Offensive Player of the week Jourdain Klein is coming off arguably her best performance since arriving in Bozeman. The freshman averaged 3.13 kills per set versus NAU and Southern Utah and dialed up nine aces.
History against the Bobcats
The Bears are 30-4 all-time against Montana State and won two straight meetings since the Bobcats upset the Bears on opening day last spring.
Scouting Montana
Montana picked up its most impressive win of the season on Tuesday over rival Montana State. The five-set thriller included monster performances up and down the roster, most notably from junior outside hitter Jackie Howell. Howell piled up 13 kills and a match-high 29 digs.
UNC swept the Griz when Montana visited Greeley last month. However, Peyten Boutwell, Catie Semadeni and Ellie Scherffius all reached double figures in kills.
History against the Griz
Including the Bears' sweep last month, UNC is now 23-9 against Montana, including each of the last 13 meetings.
Looking Ahead.
The Bears return home on November 5, at 6 p.m. MT against Idaho State and will host senior day against Weber State on November 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the matches can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets.
To stay up to date on all things UNC volleyball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Who: at Montana State (11-11, 7-4) | at Montana (9-12, 4-7)
When: Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. MT | Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. MT
Where: Bozeman, Mont. | Missoula, Mont.
How To Follow: LIVE STREAM | LIVE STATS | UNCBearsVB
Quick Sets
Senior defensive specialist Laura Katarzynski continues to add to her record total of career aces. With one more last week, Katarzynski now claims 125. Kyndall Feather isn't far behind at 115.
As a team, the Bears rank first in the Big Sky in both assists per set (12.10) and kills per set (13.06).
Kailey Jo Ince, Rachel Hickman, Lauren Strain and Makenzie Harris have been the main beneficiaries on offense as three of the four ranks in the top-15 in the conference in kills per set individually.
Northern Colorado has served up 126 total aces this season. The sum ranks as the third-most in the Big Sky and 67th most in the nation. It also ranks as the 10th most in program history with six matches to go. In 2019, the Bears piled up 219 aces to set the program record.
The Bears' back row has been vitally important this season. UNC is 11-3 when leading in digs this fall.
Despite the loss, Lauren Strain posted one of her best blocking performances of the season against Sacramento State. Her seven total blocks tied her career-high. The sophomore also posted seven blocks against Northeastern in September.
Last time out
Northern Colorado fell in both of its west coast matches against Sacramento State and Portland State. While UNC competed in nearly every set, the Bears couldn't seal the deal and look to regroup in the Big Sky State.
Scouting Montana State
The Bobcats dropped a nailbiter to bitter rival Montana on Tuesday. Daniel Jones' squad will be looking for a big bounce-back win.
UNC swept MSU the last time these two programs squared off back on September 25. However, since then, Montana State took Weber State to five sets and rattled off wins against Sacramento State and Northern Arizona.
Reigning Big Sky Offensive Player of the week Jourdain Klein is coming off arguably her best performance since arriving in Bozeman. The freshman averaged 3.13 kills per set versus NAU and Southern Utah and dialed up nine aces.
History against the Bobcats
The Bears are 30-4 all-time against Montana State and won two straight meetings since the Bobcats upset the Bears on opening day last spring.
Scouting Montana
Montana picked up its most impressive win of the season on Tuesday over rival Montana State. The five-set thriller included monster performances up and down the roster, most notably from junior outside hitter Jackie Howell. Howell piled up 13 kills and a match-high 29 digs.
UNC swept the Griz when Montana visited Greeley last month. However, Peyten Boutwell, Catie Semadeni and Ellie Scherffius all reached double figures in kills.
History against the Griz
Including the Bears' sweep last month, UNC is now 23-9 against Montana, including each of the last 13 meetings.
Looking Ahead.
The Bears return home on November 5, at 6 p.m. MT against Idaho State and will host senior day against Weber State on November 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the matches can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets.
To stay up to date on all things UNC volleyball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Players Mentioned
DS
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
DS
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's VolleyballBig Sky Tournament Finals vs Idaho State
Monday, December 01
Big Sky Tournament Semifinals vs Sacramento State
Monday, December 01
Big Sky Tournament Quarterfinals vs Montana State
Monday, December 01
Lyndsey Oates Press Conference Big Sky Championship
Thursday, November 27
