Bears Defend The Den against Vikings

Saturday, October 11

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

7-11,4-2Big Sky

Portland State

6-10,2-3Big Sky

Portland St.

Northern Colo.

Dean Popejoy | UNC Athletics

10/11/2025 4:32:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. — Northern Colorado volleyball (7-11, 4-2) put on a gritty and determined performance Saturday afternoon, closing out their two-match home stand with a strong four-set win over the Portland State Vikings (6-10, 2-3). The Bears came out firing and controlled the tempo for most of the match, securing the victory by scores of (25-18, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14).

From the first serve, the Bears played with energy and focus, seizing momentum in the opening sets through aggressive offense and disciplined execution. Senior Brynn Reines paced the attack with a match-high 14 kills and added six digs on defense, leading by example on both ends of the court.

Junior setter Nerea Alvarez Jorge continued to lead the Bears' offense, recording 42 assists and 13 digs to notch her second consecutive double-double. Her court vision and ability to keep Portland State's defense off balance proved vital to the team's success.

Senior Zoe Gibbs also delivered an efficient performance, racking up 12 kills while hitting at an impressive .450 clip—providing another consistent scoring option at the net.

On the defensive end, Northern Colorado's back row held firm, limiting Portland State's ability to generate offense. Despite a setback in the third set, the Bears responded with authority in the fourth, quickly regaining control and finishing the match with dominance.

Now 5-1 at home this season, the Bears are making the most of their home-court advantage.

"We have a great support system here," said Head Coach Lyndsey Oates. "We have great community support, and it truly makes an impact. We enjoy playing at home, and I love that we get to host the conference tournament. Hopefully, we can use that to our advantage. I can't say enough good things about our support system."

With the win, Northern Colorado improves to 7-11 overall and 4-2 in Big Sky Conference play. The Bears now turn their attention to a challenging stretch on the road as they aim to carry this momentum forward and continue their climb in the conference standings.

UP NEXT
The Bears will hit the road and travel to Moscow, Idaho and take on the Vandals Thursday, October 16 at Memorial Gym. First serve is set for 7 pm MT.

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