UNC falls to Omaha

Thursday, September 19

Wichita, Kan.

1 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

8-3,0-0Big Sky

Omaha

2-7,0-0Summit League

Northern Colo.

Omaha

9/19/2024 5:07:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Final Match Book (PDF)Season Stats

By: Michael High, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

WICHITA, Kan. – Gabi Placide and Alayna Tessena combined for 28 kills, while Syd Cole tallied a double-double against Omaha at Charles Koch Arena Thursday.

Placide finished with 15 kills, while Tessena netted 13 successful attacks for Northern Colorado.

UNC dropped a four-set (23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-27) result, the third loss in 11 matches this season.

"It was a frustrating match for us," head coach Lyndsey Oates said. "This is not how we've played up to this point and quite honestly, we got outworked today. That's on all of us, coaches included."

Despite hitting .407 in set one, the Bears found themselves behind after a two-point loss. Following an Omaha timeout with the game knotted at 23-all, the Mavericks put away two attacks and took the 1-0 advantage.

After pulling in front at 6-5 in set two, Omaha held UNC at bay for the remainder of the game, opening a four-point gap at 14-10, taking a commanding edge into intermission.

"We were not as gritty enough defensively and I thought that was the story early and that put us in an 0-2 hole," Oates said. "We started to play a little better but it was too little too late. I thought Omaha was more prepared and outworked us."

The Bears fought off a sweep with a victory in the first game out of the break. They battled back from an 8-2 deficit and moved in front at 14-13. After surrendering the advantage at 17-16, UNC closed with a 9-3 spurt to force a fourth game.

UNC held a 23-22 edge and appeared poised to make a fifth game necessary, but a 5-2 run by Omaha finished off the match.

"We have a short turnaround, so we have to rebound ahead and get back at it for two more tough matches this weekend," Oates said.

Series and Team Notes

UNC fell to 24-11 in the all-time series, including 5-5 in the last 10 meetings.
The Bears fell for the first time away from Greeley in 2024.

Individual Notes

Gabi Placide tallied 15 kills, six digs, three aces and three blocks.
Alayna Tessena inked 13 kills, five digs and two blocks.
Syd Cole tallied a double-double with 35 assists, 19 digs and added four kills.
Brynn Reines chipped in with eight kills, eight digs, two blocks and an ace.
Maddie Davies netted seven kills and four blocks.
Sam Steele registered 14 digs and five assists.

Up Next
The Bears take on Wichita State at 6 p.m. Friday.

Next Home Match
UNC returns to the Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday, Sept. 28, when the Big Sky Conference home opener against Idaho State 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.

For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the volleyball team on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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