Bears Drop Hard Fought Match Against Montana State

Saturday, October 7

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m

University of Northern Colorado

8-8,3-2Big Sky

Montana State

11-4,4-1Big Sky

Montana St.

Northern Colo.

10/7/2023 10:37:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Match Highlights Final Match Book (PDF) Updated Stats - BSC Only Updated Season Stats

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado fell in five sets (25-15, 27-25, 22-25, 17-25, 11-15) against Montana State at Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday.

Cece Huhn reached double-digit kills for the first time in her career, with 10. Her 337 total blocks rank ninth on the program's all-time list and second most in the 25-point rally era, which began with the 2008 season.

Michaela Boon moved to 814 digs in her career, recording a match-high 18. She posted a career-high five service aces.

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

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: The Bears never trailed in the game and Brynn Reines pushed them ahead for good. UNC outhit the Bobcats .314-.094 and grabbed the early advantage.

Set 2: Overcoming a 19-6 run by Montana State, the Bears went to intermission with a 2-0 edge. UNC opened with a 10-1 margin before trailing 20-16 after the Bobcats spurt. The Bears fought off three set points, forcing a win by two-points scenario at 24-24. The teams traded the next two points, with Northern Colorado inching in front. A kill by Harris and an error by the guest concluded the frame.

Set 3: Knotted at 22-all, Montana State extended the contests with three-straight points, trimming the margin at 2-1.

Set 4: Even at 7-7, the Bobcats outscored UNC 18-10 to even the match at two games each.

Set 5: UNC trailed 8-3 as the team's changed sides. The Bears slashed the deficit to 11-9, but Montana State claimed the victory by tallying four of the final six points.

UNC LEADERS:
UNC Kills Leader: Makenzie Harris (19)
UNC Assists Leader: Syd Cole (41)
UNC Digs Leader: Michaela Boon (18)
UNC Blocks Leader: Cece Huhn (10)
UNC Ace Leader: Michaela Boon (5)

TEAM RECORDS SERIES NOTES:

UNC fell to 8-8, including 3-2 in Big Sky play, while the Bobcats improved to 11-4, 3-1.
The Bears own a 33-6 mark against Montana State, including a 22-3 record over the last 25 matches.

TEAM NOTES

UNC fell for the first time at Bank of Colorado Arena against Big Sky opponents this season.
The Bears hit .131, while Montana State held a .185 success rate.
UNC tallied a season-high 13 blocks, while the Bobcats netted nine.
The Bears held a 9-6 advantage at the service line.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

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.
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.
Placide finished with a career-high 14 kills, with three digs and three blocks.
Huhn included three kills, with her 10 blocks.
Maddie Davies recorded three blocks and three kills.
Reines notched eight kills, while Bennett chipped in four.

UP NEXT
The Bears return to the court in the second round of the Blue and Gold Battle Saturday, Oct. 14, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona clash at 7:30 p.m. MT.

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.