Bears Battle in Big Sky Opener at Weber State

Wednesday, September 24

Ogden, Utah

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

3-10,0-1Big Sky

Weber State

9-4,1-0Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Weber St.

9/24/2025 7:44:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

OGDEN, Utah - The Northern Colorado Bears dropped their Big Sky opener to Weber State on the road at Swenson Gym, falling in straight sets (22-25, 21-25, 14-25) on Wednesday night.

The Bears (3-10, 0-1 Big Sky) were led by Isabel Bennett, who finished with nine kills on an efficient .444 hitting percentage and added four blocks at the net. She was joined by Alayna Tessena, who tallied 10 kills and three digs, and Zoe Gibbs, who posted six kills while contributing two blocks.

Northern Colorado totaled 37 kills on a .239 hitting percentage, highlighted by a strong second set where the team hit .345 with 16 kills. The Bears also posted six blocks and 34 digs as a team but were undone by 10 service errors and Weber State's steady defensive presence.

Mia Liddiard directed the offense with 15 assists and added five digs, while Nerea Alvarez-Jorge chipped in 14 assists of her own. Defensively, GA McCarter led the team with nine digs, while Bennett and Bella Van Lannen provided key contributions at the net with four and three blocks, respectively.

Weber State (9-4, 1-0 Big Sky) controlled the match with 40 kills on a .311 hitting percentage and six service aces. Kaylie Ray, Ashley Gneiting, and Rose Moore paced the Wildcats with 10 kills each, while setter Morgan Pratt dished out 30 assists. Weber State also held the advantage defensively, finishing with seven team blocks and 25 digs.

Northern Colorado went back-and-forth with Weber State early, tying the opening set at 18 before the Wildcats pulled away late. In the second frame, the Bears held a 15-13 advantage midway through but could not hold off a late Weber push. Weber closed the match quickly in the third with a 9-1 run that created separation and sealed the sweep.

UP NEXT
The Bears host Eastern Washington for their conference home opener on Saturday, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m.

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