Bears Hosts Colorado State Friday

GREELEY, Colo. - In the final tune-up before kicking off the regular season, the University of Northern Colorado hosts Colorado State at 6 p.m. Friday at Jackson Stadium.

Look at the Bears

Northern Colorado opened the exhibition portion of the 2023 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Colorado College Tuesday.

Brooke Holmberg and Alexis Tuite led the way for the Bears in that victory. Last year, UNC ranked second in the Big Sky Conference in saves per game (5.61) and ranked second in Big Sky with 101 total saves. The Bears defense smothered Colorado College, limiting the action in front of the three goalkeepers that logged playing time. Kaya Lindberg, Maddie Smith and Delaney Doremus blocked all three Tigers' shots on goal.

Scouting the Rams

The Rams finished 4-7-8, including 1-4-6 against Mountain West foes. In her third season as head coach, Keeley Hagan's squad features eight freshmen. Colorado State takes on the Bears in its lone exhibition.

History against the Rams

UNC dropped a 1-0 result last season in Fort Collins, falling to 2-4-3 all-time. The teams last faced off in Greeley Sept. 2, 2021, playing to a 0-0 draw, the second in four matches on the Bears' home pitch. Each side owns a 1-2-2 mark over the last five contests between the two squads, with each side claiming a 2-1 home victory over the span. UNC defeat the Rams Aug. 24, 2017, before the Rams flipped the result in Fort Collins Aug. 23, 2018.