University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Lexie Martin | UNC Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Travel to Omaha Take on (3) Creighton in First Round of NCAA Tournament
12/2/2025 1:27:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado volleyball is gearing up for it's awaited return to the NCAA Tournament, traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, for a first-round match up against No. 3 seed Creighton. The Bears enter the postseason riding a wave of momentum after capturing the Big Sky Championship—marking the program's eighth conference title and securing the league's automatic berth into the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
This season's appearance marks Northern Colorado's first trip to the national stage since 2022. In that tournament, the Bears earned their seventh Big Sky crown and advanced to face the University of San Diego, where they battled a strong Toreros squad before ultimately falling in four sets.
Just a year earlier, in 2021, the Bears punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a dramatic five-set win over Weber State in the conference title match—a victory that set up a competitive first-round meeting with Washington State.
At this year's Big Sky Tournament, Northern Colorado showcased that same blend of depth and competitive fire. Brynn Reines, Bella LePore, and Isabel Bennett were all named to the All-Tournament Team, while Reines earned MVP honors for her standout three-day performance.
The Bears closed the regular season with a 17–15 overall record and an 11–5 mark in conference play. Their 12–3 home record inside Bank of Colorado Arena underscored the strong home-court advantage they established throughout the year.
LAST MEETING
Creighton is no stranger to Northern Colorado. The teams most recently met in a 2023 exhibition in Omaha, offering the Bears a valuable look at the Bluejays' high-level pace and attacks. Prior to that, the programs met in 2013, when Creighton earned a straight-sets win.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Bluejays enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 3 seed after claiming their sixth consecutive Big East Championship. Creighton finished the 2025 regular season with an impressive 25–5 overall record, including a perfect 16–0 run through conference play. The Bluejays also placed three athletes on the Big East All-Tournament Team.
As Northern Colorado prepares for its latest NCAA Tournament test, the Bears will look to lean on tournament experience, a core of standout performers, a team with great depth, and the confidence earned through a championship run— aiming to make their mark in the nation's top postseason stages.
COVERAGE
All matches will stream live on ESPN+
Fans can follow live updates on UNC volleyball through the team's official social media channels.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB)
This season's appearance marks Northern Colorado's first trip to the national stage since 2022. In that tournament, the Bears earned their seventh Big Sky crown and advanced to face the University of San Diego, where they battled a strong Toreros squad before ultimately falling in four sets.
Just a year earlier, in 2021, the Bears punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a dramatic five-set win over Weber State in the conference title match—a victory that set up a competitive first-round meeting with Washington State.
At this year's Big Sky Tournament, Northern Colorado showcased that same blend of depth and competitive fire. Brynn Reines, Bella LePore, and Isabel Bennett were all named to the All-Tournament Team, while Reines earned MVP honors for her standout three-day performance.
The Bears closed the regular season with a 17–15 overall record and an 11–5 mark in conference play. Their 12–3 home record inside Bank of Colorado Arena underscored the strong home-court advantage they established throughout the year.
LAST MEETING
Creighton is no stranger to Northern Colorado. The teams most recently met in a 2023 exhibition in Omaha, offering the Bears a valuable look at the Bluejays' high-level pace and attacks. Prior to that, the programs met in 2013, when Creighton earned a straight-sets win.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Bluejays enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 3 seed after claiming their sixth consecutive Big East Championship. Creighton finished the 2025 regular season with an impressive 25–5 overall record, including a perfect 16–0 run through conference play. The Bluejays also placed three athletes on the Big East All-Tournament Team.
As Northern Colorado prepares for its latest NCAA Tournament test, the Bears will look to lean on tournament experience, a core of standout performers, a team with great depth, and the confidence earned through a championship run— aiming to make their mark in the nation's top postseason stages.
COVERAGE
All matches will stream live on ESPN+
Fans can follow live updates on UNC volleyball through the team's official social media channels.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB)
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
DS
/ Women's Volleyball
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