Preview: at Northern Arizona

Saturday, October 14

Flagstaff, Ariz.

7:30 p.m (MT)

University of Northern Colorado

Northern Arizona

10/12/2023 9:44:00 AM | Women's Volleyball

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

Northern Colorado (8-8, 3-2) at Northern Arizona (5-11, 2-3)
Rolle Activity Center – Flagstaff, Ariz.
Saturday, Oct. 14 | 7:30 p.m. MT
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SETTING THE SCENE
The University of Northern Colorado opens a three-match road swing at Northern Arizona Saturday. This is the final match between the two programs during the regular season and like the first, the Blue and Gold Battle Trophy is up for grabs. Created prior to the campaign, the trophy remains with the winning team until the two teams meet again in the regular season, meaning until next season. The Bears claimed the first match this season, a 3-2 result at Bank of Colorado Arena Sept. 30.

SERIES HISTORY
    UNC leads the all-time series 22-11, including 7-3 over the last 10 meetings.
    The Bears enter the contest wth a three-match losing streak in Flagstaff.
    UNC looks to snap its three-match losing streak on the Lumberjacks floor.
    The Bears last won in Flagstaff Sept. 21, 2017.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
    The Bears close the season with seven of their final 11 matches away from the Bank.
    UNC dropped its two true road contests this season, falling at Northeastern and Portland State.
    Since 2019, the Bears own a 30-16 (.652), including 27-7 (.794) in Big Sky Conference play.

CHASING MILESTONES
    Makenzie Harris – 14 kills from 1,000 in her career and 41 digs from 600. She's the first to reach 1,000 kills since Kendra Cunningham* 2012-15
    Cece Huhn needs three solo blocks for 71 in her career, moving into a 10th–place tie in program history.
        She needs 15 block assists for 284 – 10^th in school history
        With one total block, she moves up to eighth all-time, four for seventh and 12 for sixth.
    Michaela Boon needs 86 digs for 900 in her career and six aces for 100 in her career.

LAST TIME OUT
    UNC fell in five sets against Montana State at Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday, Oct. 7.
    Makenzie Harris totaled 19 kills, 14 digs, three blocks and an ace.
        She tallied her fourth double-double of the season and 19 in her career.
    Syd Cole notched her fourth double-double in 2023 with 41 assists and 14 digs.
        She inked a double-double for the 21st time in her career.
        Cole added seven kills, three blocks and an ace.
    Gabi Placide finished with a career-high 14 kills, with three digs and three blocks.
    Cece Huhn included three kills, with her 10 blocks.
    Maddie Davies recorded three blocks and three kills.
    Brynn Reines notched eight kills, while Bennett chipped in four.

FAN SUPPORT
    In the first three matches, Northern Colorado averaged 2,211 fans.
    Opening night against No. 3 Stanford produced the largest crowd in program history, with 2,801 fans in attendance Aug. 25.
        The next night, 1,941 witnessed the Bears battle No. 10 Kentucky for four sets.
        Against Colorado State on Aug. 29., 1,890 fans watched Northern Colorado rally from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Rams.

OPENING WEEKEND
    The largest crowd in program history was on hand for the season opener against No. 3 Stanford, with 2,801 in attendance.
    Brynn Reines led the team with 15 kills.
    Makenzie Harris tallied the most points (18) and service aces (3).
    Syd Cole directed the offense with 65 assists.
    Cece Huhn, Gabi Placide and Isabel Bennett tallied 4.0 blocks each.
        Placide registered five kills on 14 swings, with a block solo and a block assist in her collegiate debut.
    Bella LePore tallied three digs in her first college match.

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE
    Since moving to Division I before the 2006 campaign, Northern Colorado made 14 Big Sky Tournament appearances.
    The Bears have the best winning percentage in tournament play at .687 (22-10), with seven championships, the most by any league member over the last 17 seasons. They collected six regular-season titles over that span.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION
    Syd Cole garnered All-American honors after the 2022 season, finishing with 1,325 assists, 271 digs, 78 kills, 50.0 blocks and 29 service aces over 120 sets.
    In addition, she earned American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region selection, the Big Sky Player of the Year, All-Big Sky First Team, All-Big Sky Tournament Team and Big Sky All-Academic selections.

THE ROSTER
Freshmen Bella LePore, Gabi Placide and Alayna Tessena join 14 returners from the 2022 Big Sky Championship squad.

TICKETS
To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.