University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Picked Second in Big Sky Preseason Poll After Dominant 2024 Season
8/22/2025 12:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
With Key Returners and New Talent, Northern Colorado Prepares for Another Big Year
GREELEY, Colo. – The Big Sky Conference has picked Northern Colorado to finish second in the 2025 Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by league officials.
The Bears are coming off a strong 2024 campaign, finishing with a 28-8 overall record and dominating Big Sky play with a 14-2 mark to claim the regular season championship.
Northern Colorado earned a postseason berth in the 2024 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), marking the program's 10th postseason appearance since joining NCAA Division I and the Big Sky Conference 18 seasons ago.
The Bears are looking to build on last season's momentum and secure their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2022. The team battled through the conference tournament with back-to-back five-set wins over Montana State and Weber State before falling just short in a 2-3 loss to Sacramento State in the final. With a strong core returning and newcomers, the Bears are poised for another deep run and a shot at the NCAA Tournament.
UNC Volleyball is set to kick off an exciting new season as the Bears travel to Tucson for an exhibition match up against the University of Arizona this Saturday, August 23. This marks the team's first on-court action of 2025 and a key opportunity to build early momentum for the upcoming fall campaign.
The Bears will return to Greeley with back-to-back home matches at Bank of Colorado Arena when the team takes on Washington on Friday, August 29 at 6 p.m., followed by a match up against Colgate on Saturday, August 30, also at 6 p.m.
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).
The Bears are coming off a strong 2024 campaign, finishing with a 28-8 overall record and dominating Big Sky play with a 14-2 mark to claim the regular season championship.
Northern Colorado earned a postseason berth in the 2024 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), marking the program's 10th postseason appearance since joining NCAA Division I and the Big Sky Conference 18 seasons ago.
The Bears are looking to build on last season's momentum and secure their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2022. The team battled through the conference tournament with back-to-back five-set wins over Montana State and Weber State before falling just short in a 2-3 loss to Sacramento State in the final. With a strong core returning and newcomers, the Bears are poised for another deep run and a shot at the NCAA Tournament.
Isabel Bennett and Alayna Tessena have been named to the 2025 Preseason All-Conference Team, following impressive performances during the 2024–25 season.
Bennett, a key team leader known for her consistency on the court, led the conference in hitting percentage last season and returns as a cornerstone of the Bears' offensive and defensive efforts. Tessena, celebrated for her versatility and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, played a pivotal role in the team's success and remains a dynamic presence heading into the new campaign.
UP NEXTUNC Volleyball is set to kick off an exciting new season as the Bears travel to Tucson for an exhibition match up against the University of Arizona this Saturday, August 23. This marks the team's first on-court action of 2025 and a key opportunity to build early momentum for the upcoming fall campaign.
The Bears will return to Greeley with back-to-back home matches at Bank of Colorado Arena when the team takes on Washington on Friday, August 29 at 6 p.m., followed by a match up against Colgate on Saturday, August 30, also at 6 p.m.
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
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