Bears Defeat Bradley 3-1

Friday, September 15

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

5-5,0-0Big Sky

Bradley

7-5,0-0MVC

Bradley

Northern Colo.

9/15/2023 10:47:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Updated Season Stats Final Match Book (PDF)Match Highlights Coach Oates Postmatch Presser

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Makenzie Harris' double-double helps Northern Colorado defeat Bradley in the final match of day two of the Hampton Inn & Suites Northern Colorado Classic at Bank of Colorado Friday.

Harris finished with 17 kills and 10 digs, while Cece Huhn hit .426, with 15 successful attacks on 24 swings.

The Bears improved to 5-5, earning the four-set victory (25-16, 25-13, 22-25, 25-18), while the Braves dropped to 7-5.

UNC STARTERS: Annette Baker, Isabel Bennett, Syd Cole, Makenzie Harris, Cece Huhn, Gabi Placide and Bella LePore

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Knotted at 6-6, Northern Colorado ran off four-straight points as part of a larger 10-4 spurt, building a 16-10. Over the next nine rallies, the Braves trimmed the margin to five at 20-15. Following a stoppage in play, the Bears closed on a 5-1 run and grabbed the early advantage.

Set 2: UNC hit a match high .394 in game two, while holding the opposition to a contest low .029 and leading wire-to-wire. Huhn slammed home a kill and pushing the Bears advantage to 9-3, forcing Bradley to burn a timeout. The Braves' attempt to slow the momentum failed to prove fruitful used their second and final timeout of the game after Michaela Boon dropped in an ace, opening the gap to 20-11. Harris – two kills and an ace – and Huhn (two kills) accounted for the final five points.

Set 3: After the intermission, Bradley climbed back into the match with a three-point triumph. Falling behind 6-0, the Braves methodically reduced the margin, evening the score at 19-all. They held a 6-3 edge down the stretch, forcing a fourth set.

Set 4: The Bears held Bradley to a .071 hitting percentage in the final game. Even at 2-2, UNC rattled off 11 of the next 15 points, opening a seven-point advantage. Bradley answered with a 5-1 run, closing to within three at 14-11. The teams split the next 14 points and Northern Colorado called a timeout, clinging to a 21-18 cushion. A pair of kills by Brynn Reines and one each from Harris and Huhn on the four serves following the stoppage sealed the match for the Bears.

UNC LEADERS:
UNC Kills Leader: Makenzie Harris (17)
UNC Assists Leader: Syd Cole (43)
UNC Digs Leader: Bella LePore (18)
UNC Blocks Leader: Cece Huhn (4)
UNC Ace Leader: Harris (3)

TEAM RECORDS SERIES NOTES:

UNC improved to 5-5, while Bradley fell to 7-5.
The Bears lead the all-time series 2-1.

TEAM NOTES

UNC outhit the Mavericks .231-.086.
The Bears tallied seven blocks, while Bradley totaled 10.
UNC recorded six aces from the service line, while surrendering two.

UP NEXT:
UNC closes out the final day of the Hampton Inn & Suites UNC Classic Sept. 16 against Wichita State at 6 p.m.

Omaha and Bradley take the floor at 11 a.m.

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.