Bears Claim First-Ever Blue and Gold Battle

Saturday, September 30

Greeley, Colo.

7 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

7-7,2-1Big Sky

Northern Arizona

4-10,1-2Big Sky

Northern Ariz.

Northern Colo.

9/30/2023 11:32:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

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By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

Postmatch Presser | Match Highlights

GREELEY, Colo. – In the first-ever match with the Blue and Gold Battle Trophy at stake, the University of Northern Colorado outlasted Northern Arizona at Bank of Colorado Saturday.

Created before this season, the Bears claimed the trophy with a five-set victory (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9), earning the right to take possession of the prize until the teams meet again Oct. 14, in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Makenzie Harriss tallied a season-high 20 kills and Isabel Bennett inked a career-best 12, helping the Bears to the victory.

Northern Colorado held advantages after the first and third sets, with the Lumberjacks evening the match each time.

UNC STARTERS: Bennett, Syd Cole, Harris, Cece Huhn, Bella LePore, Gabi Placide and donning the libero jersey, Michaela Boon

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Following a slow start, UNC closed the set with a 19-9 run and grabbed the early advantage. Harris paced the Bears offense with five kills in the game. Bennett and Huhn recorded a solo block each.

Set 2: In a tightly contested affair in the early going, Northern Arizona built a four-point cushion at XX and held off a late rally by the Bears. Bennett, Harris and Placide accounted for nine of UNC's 12 kills, with three a piece.

Set 3: Northern Colorado pulled away late to secure the victory and put the Lumberjacks in a must-win situation. Harris recorded seven kills in the game.

Set 4: Northern Arizona jumped out to a five-point cushion at 8-3, forcing a timeout by the Bears. UNC responded with a run of its own, trimming the margin to 13-11. The Lumberjacks ran off seven of the next eight points, reaching 20 first. Trailing 20-12, Northern Colorado made a furious attempt at closing the match in four sets before falling 25-23.

Set 5: UNC held an 8-2 advantage when the teams switched sides. The teams traded the next 12 points, pushing the Bears within two points from victory. Harris nudged UNC to match point with her 20th kill of the contest. After a Lumberjack kill, Annette Baker's successful attack hit the floor and secured the victory.

UNC LEADERS:
UNC Kills Leader: Makenzie Harris (20)
UNC Assists Leader: Syd Cole (47)
UNC Digs Leader: Michaela Boon (14)
UNC Blocks Leader: Isabel Bennett (3)
UNC Ace Leader: Michaela Boon and Brynn Reines (3)

TEAM RECORDS SERIES NOTES:

UNC moved to 7-7, including 1-1 in Big Sky play, while the Lumberjacks fell to 4-10, 1-2.
The Bears extended their winning streak over Northern Arizona in Greeley to six.

TEAM NOTES

UNC won for the fourth time in the last five games at Bank of Colorado Arena.
The Bears outhit Northern Arizona .248 to .218.
UNC tallied nine blocks, while the Lumberjacks netted four.
The Bears dropped in eight service aces while allowing two.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Makenzie Harris totaled 20 kills, nine digs, two blocks and a pair of aces from the service line.
- She reached double-digit kills in a match nine times this season.
Bennet hit .417 (12-2-24), with six blocks.
- The 12 kills established a new career high.
Cole recorded 47 assists, nine digs and three kills.
- With the 47 helpers, she upped her career total to 2,481.
Reines finished with seven kills, six digs and three aces.
Baker, Huhn and Maddie Davies accrued five kills each, while Placide accounted for four.

UP NEXT
The Bears return to the friendly confines of Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday, Oct. 5, against Montana at 6 p.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.