Bears Sweep Bengals to Capture the 2025 Big Sky Championship Tournament Title

Wednesday, November 26

Greeley, Colo.

7 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

17-15,11-5Big Sky

#8 Idaho State

13-18,7-9Big Sky

Idaho St.

Northern Colo.

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

11/26/2025 8:56:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado volleyball rose to the occasion Wednesday night, taking down No. 8–seeded Idaho State in the Big Sky Championship at Bank of Colorado Arena. In a hard-fought and energetic battle, the Bears claimed the title in three sets, securing the program's eighth conference championship and punching their automatic ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

From the opening serve, Northern Colorado set the tone. The Bears stormed out to a 7–0 run in the first set, fueled by aggressive serving and powerful swings from the front line. Bella Van Lannen and Zoe Gibbs provided early sparks with key kills that kept Idaho State on its heels. Though the Bengals eventually responded with a run of their own, the Bears maintained control and closed out the first set 25–20. Gibbs led the offense after one, tallying five kills and establishing herself as a threat at the net.

The second set brought a momentum shift as Idaho State settled in and grabbed a 6–5 advantage. Northern Colorado fought back to tie the frame at 9–9, but the Bengals surged ahead again, forcing the Bears to take a timeout trailing 14–9. The huddle proved effective—Northern Colorado rattled off a crucial run and cut the deficit to one, prompting Idaho State to call a timeout of their own. Down the stretch, Isabel Bennett stepped up with timely kills, helping UNC secure the second set 25–21 and build a commanding 2–0 match lead. Through two sets, Bennett was unstoppable, recording nine kills on an impressive .562 hitting percentage.

Entering the third set, the Bears wasted no time continuing their momentum, jumping ahead 5–1 and forcing another early Idaho State timeout. Both teams battled fiercely, as they had throughout the tournament, but Northern Colorado maintained composure and consistency on both sides of the ball. A late surge pushed the Bears to a 22–17 lead, and from there they never looked back—closing out the set, the match, and the Big Sky Championship with authority. With the victory, the Bears officially clinched their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Northern Colorado now turns its focus to Selection Sunday on November 30, when they will learn their first-round opponent and begin preparations for the national stage.

All-Tournament Team
Rose Moore, Weber State
Victoria Marthaler, Sac State
Marci Bell, Idaho State
Nora Waddoups, Idaho State
Isabel Bennett, Northern Colorado
Bella LePore, Northern Colorado
Brynn Reines, Northern Colorado (MVP)

Support the Big Sky Tournament Champs:
Your generosity provides the critical resources that enable championship-level performance—from specialized training and nutrition to vital academic support. As the student-athletes prepare to represent UNC on the national stage, we hope you will invest in this winning momentum.

To make a gift and support the Bears' NCAA Tournament run, please visit: https://advance.unco.edu/g/volleyball

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