Defense Fuels Sweep of Xavier

Saturday, September 2

Boulder, Colo.

3 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

3-3,0-0Big Sky

Xavier

3-2,0-0Big East

Xavier

Northern Colo.

9/2/2023 8:52:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

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

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

BOULDER, Colo. – University of Northern Colorado cruised to a 25-22, 25-15, 25-18 victory over Xavier in the Bears final match of the Colorado Classic, hosted by Colorado at the CU Events Center Saturday.

"We made more plays on defense and we are getting more comfortable playing together," Head Coach Lyndsey Oates said.

Northern Colorado improved to 3-3, while the Musketeers fell to 3-2 on the season.

Cece Huhn sparked the defense, accounting for 4.5 of the Bears' 10 blocks, while holding Xavier's offense under .100 hitting percentage.

Trailing 15-11 in game one, Northern Colorado ran off eight of the next 11 points, grabbing the 19-18 advantage on a Gabi Placide kill. The Musketeers to burnt their second timeout during the span after losing the lead, but it failed to turn the tide. The Bears never trailed again in the match.

"I liked our efficiency on the offensive side," Oates said. "Makenzie led that effort with her performance, not making an error."

Northern Colorado jumped out to an 8-1 advantage in game two on its way to a 10-point victory. In the finale, the Bears netted the first five points, but Xavier closed to within three at 15-12. UNC iced the game by closing with a 10-6 advantage.

GAME NOTES

Makenzie Harris tallied a game-high 11 kills, with seven digs and three block assists.
- She hit .423, converting 11 of her 26 swings without an attack error.
Annette Baker recorded 11 digs to lead the Bears, with eight kills.
Huhn added seven kills and three digs, with her two solo blocks and five block assists.
Placide totaled seven kills and three block assists.
Syd Cole dished out 35 of the teams 40 assists.
Bella LePore made her first start of the season in the libero jersey.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Northern Colorado outhit the Musketeers .296 (40-11-98) to .054 (31-25-111).
The Bears blocked 10 shots, while Xavier mustered four.
Northern Colorado held a 6-2 edge in service aces.

UP NEXT
The Bears take on Northeastern in Boston, Mass., in day one of the Northeastern Tournament Thursday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. MT.

To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-35104849.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.