Bears Keep Blue and Gold Trophy with Sweep

Saturday, October 14

Flagstaff, Ariz.

7:30 p.m (MT)

University of Northern Colorado

9-8,4-2Big Sky

Northern Arizona

5-12,2-4Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Northern Ariz.

10/14/2023 11:03:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Final Match Book Updated Season Stats Updated Stats Big Sky Only

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Colorado retained the Blue and Gold Battle Trophy with a sweep of Northern Arizona at the Rolle Activity Center Saturday.

"We might have played our most complete match of the season," head coach Lyndsey Oates said. "We executed every skill well and kept them off balance."

The Bears (9-8, 4-2) held Northern Arizona (5-12, 2-4) under 20 points in each set en route to the 25-15, 25-19, 25-14 triumph.

We were able to contain them much better with our block, picking up off speed and converting those into transition points," Oates said. "Our veteran hitters stepped up and we were well balanced tonight."

Mackenzie Harris finished with a double-double, recording 13 kills and 10 digs.

UNC outhit the Lumberjacks .303 to -.50 and never trailed in game one. Leading 15-10, the Bears tallied 10 of the final 15 points and grabbed the early advantage.

After seven ties and a lead change in the second frame, Northern Colorado methodically pulled away. Knotted at 10-10, the Bears recorded 15 of the final 24 points and carried a 2-0 edge into intermission.

A kill by Syd Cole pushed the Bears in front for good at 4-3 and built a double-digit advantage at 22-12. They outhit the home side .300 to .083.

UNC STARTERS: Isabel Bennett, Syd Cole, Makenzie Harris, Cece Huhn, Gabi Placide, Brynn Reines and libero, Michaela Boon

UNC LEADERS:
UNC Kills Leader: Makenzie Harris (13)
UNC Assists Leader: Syd Cole (38)
UNC Digs Leader: Bella LePore (16)
UNC Blocks Leader: Isabel Bennett and Cece Huhn (4)
UNC Ace Leader: Michaela Boon, Syd Cole, Makenzie Harris and Bella Van Lannen (1)

TEAM RECORDS SERIES NOTES:

UNC improved to 9-8, including 4-2 in Big Sky play, while the Lumberjacks dropped to 5-12, 2-4
The Bears lead the all-time series 23-11, including 7-3 over the last 10 meetings.
- They swept the season series and snapped a three-match losing streak in Flagstaff.

TEAM NOTES

UNC outhit the Lumberjacks .319-.058.
The Bears doubled up Northern Arizona in blocks 8-4.
UNC recorded four aces, while the Lumberjacks tallied three.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Harris totaled 13 kills, 10 digs and an ace.
- She tallied her fifth double-double of the season and number 20 in her career.
Cole notched 38 assists, six kills, four digs, one block and an ace.
Huhn added 11 kills and four blocks.
Bennet chipped in with eight kills and four blocks.
Maddie Davies recorded three blocks and three kills.
Reines notched five kills, five digs and three blocks.

UP NEXT
The Bears continue their road trip at Weber State, with a 6 p.m. first serve Thursday, Oct. 19 in Ogden, Utah.

NEXT HOME MATCH
The Bears return to the Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. against Sacramento State.

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.