Bears come up short against Denver in Five Sets

Saturday, September 20

USAF Academy, Colo.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

Denver

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

9/20/2025 4:55:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Northern Colorado volleyball came up just short in a hard-fought five-set battle against in-state rival Denver on Saturday afternoon, closing out the Air Force Tournament with a narrow loss.

The Bears and Pioneers traded momentum throughout the match in a tightly contested showdown, with neither team gaining a clear edge until the final points. Despite showing resilience and delivering clutch plays late in sets, UNC was unable to close it out in the decisive fifth set.

Denver pulled ahead early in the final frame and held off a late push from the Bears to secure the win.

Northern Colorado's balanced attack and steady defense kept the match close, with several players stepping up in crucial moments. Alayna Tessena and Brynn Reines each recorded double-digit kills, while Mia Liddiard ran the offense with 20 assists.

Though the Bears ended the tournament with a loss, their competitive performance provides momentum and lessons as they look ahead to the next stretch of the season.

UP NEXT
The Bears will travel to Utah to open Big Sky play when they take on Weber State Wednesday night.

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)