University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Year in Review: Volleyball
6/8/2022 10:28:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
UNC came out swinging early and often in 2021. A competitive non-conference matchup against in-state rival Colorado State saw Northern Colorado best the Rams for the first time since 1982 in a five-set thriller that set the tone for a stellar season ahead.Â
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Senior Kailey Jo Ince became the 20th player in program history to record 1,000 kills in her career, doing so on Senior Day against Weber State.Â
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A total of three Bears landed on the All-Big Sky First Team following the 2021 campaign. Rachel Hickman, Kailey Jo Ince and Lauren Strain each secured the honor.Â
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Not only did Northern Colorado capture its fourth regular-season title but head coach Lyndsey Oates' Bears secured its sixth Big Sky Tournament title since joining the conference in 2006, earning UNC a trip to Waco, Texas to face Washington State in the NCAA Tournament.Â
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Northern Colorado retired the No. 5 jersey of Erin Deffenbaugh before the Bears' home match against Montana State. Just the second number retired in UNC Athletics history, the Hall of Famer well earned the honor after setting career records for kills and attacks that still stand to this day. The 2002 Division II Player of the Year and 2004 All-American also holds on to UNC single-season records in kills with 743 and attacks with 1,736. In 2002, she led the nation in kills per set. A three-time North Central All-Conference Selection, Deffenbaugh was also named to the 2002 Elite Eight All-Tournament Team and she is just one of nine players to pile up 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in her career.Â
To stay up to date on all things UNC volleyball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's VolleyballUNC Weekly Press Conference - Lyndsey Oates (Jan. 6)
Tuesday, January 06
Brynn Reines Post Game Press Conference vs Montana State
Tuesday, December 23
Lyndsey Oates Post Game Press Conference vs Montana State
Tuesday, December 23
Gabi Placide Post Game Press Conference vs Montana
Tuesday, December 23
