UNC Sweeps Eastern Washington in Big Sky Opener

Thursday, September 21

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

6-6,1-0Big Sky

Eastern Washington

6-7,0-1Big Sky

Eastern Wash.

Northern Colo.

9/21/2023 9:53:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Final Match Book Updated Season Stats Highlights Postmatch Presser

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – University of Northern Colorado earned its 15th-straight victory over a Big Sky Conference opponent with a sweep of Eastern Washington at Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday.

The Bears employed a balanced attack en route to a 25-16, 25-18, 25-19 victory, recording the 12th-regular season triumph over a league foe in succession. UNC tallied six players with at least five kills, including Cece Huhn, which registered the 600th kill of her career.

Makenzie Harris and Gabi Placide paced the offense with eight kills each, with Syd Cole distributing 31 of the team's 32 assists.

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

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Huhn slammed home a successful attack, tying the score for the ninth and final time in the game at 13-13. Including the equalizer, UNC outscored the Eagles 13-3, grabbing the early advantage. During the stretch, Cole started a 5-0 run with back-to-back points, catching the opposition off guard, expecting her to set up a teammate.

Set 2: Placide tallied two of the first three points, pushing the Bears in front at 1-0 and 2-1, the last being the final lead change of the game. UNC moved ahead 6-1 and held a cushion of six before the Eagles made a rally, closing the gap to one at 17-16. Capitalizing on a pair of miscues by Eastern Washington, the Bears closed the frame with an 8-2 run and taking a 2-0 advantage into intermission.

Set 3: Mia Liddiard's ace from the service line at 2-2, sparked an 8-1 run and put UNC in front for the final time. A kill from the right arm of Harris opened a 17-10 gap but the Eagles closed the deficit to 20-18. The Bears slammed the door shut, tallying five of the final six points, with the last two on UNC blocks. Huhn notched a solo block, setting up match point. On the next attack by Eastern Washington, Huhn teamed up with Placide for the rejection.

UNC LEADERS
UNC Kills Leader: Makenzie Harris and Gabi Placide (8)
UNC Assists Leader: Syd Cole (31)
UNC Digs Leader: Bella LePore (13)
UNC Blocks Leader: Isabel Bennett (4)
UNC Ace Leader: Syd Cole, Makenzie Harris and Mia Liddiard (1)

TEAM RECORDS SERIES NOTES:

UNC improved to 6-6, 1-0, while the Eagles dropped to 6-7, 0-1.
The Bears lead the all-time series 28-10, including 11-consecutive victories.

TEAM NOTES

UNC registered its 15^th-straight victory over a Big Sky Conference foe.
The Bears extended their Big Sky Conference regular season winning streak to 12.
- UNC last dropped a regular-season contest against a Big Sky opponent at Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022.
UNC hit .327, while holding the Eagles to .124.
- The Bears hit over 300 and held Eastern Washington below 200 in each set.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Cece Huhn recorded six kills, totaling 600 in her career.
Bella LePore led the back row with 13 digs.

UP NEXT
UNC travels to Oregon for the first of two meetings against Portland State Saturday at 8 p.m. MT.

NEXT HOME GAME
The Bears return to the friendly confines of Bank of Colorado Arena against Northern Arizona Saturday, Sept. 30. Fans can get a $5 football bounce back ticket. 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.