University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Lexie Martin | UNC Athletics
Bears Defeat Eagles in Conference Home Opener
9/27/2025 9:04:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo.- The Northern Colorado Bears earned their first Big Sky Conference win of the season at home, defeating Eastern Washington (2-12, 0-2) in four competitive sets on Saturday night at Bank of Colorado Arena (25-22, 16-25, 28-26, 25-17).
With the win, the Bears improved to 4-10 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky play, building valuable momentum heading into a challenging stretch on the road.
Senior outside hitter Zoe Gibbs delivered a great performance, leading the offensive charge with 13 kills while hitting an efficient .370. Her four digs also proved crucial as she contributed on both sides of the net, demonstrating senior leadership in key moments.
Alayna Tessena stepped up in a big way, finishing with 10 kills and two pivotal blocks that helped swing the momentum during tight stretches, especially in the third set. Her presence at the net added an important physical edge to the Bears' front line.
The Bears' offense flowed well thanks to a strong setting duo. Nerea Alvarez tallied 22 assists, while Mia Liddiard added 21, helping to maintain a balanced and dynamic attack throughout the match. Their ability to distribute the ball effectively allowed for multiple hitters to find success.
UP NEXT
The Bears will hit the road and travel to Montana to take on Montana and Montana State on Thursday and Saturday.
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)
With the win, the Bears improved to 4-10 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky play, building valuable momentum heading into a challenging stretch on the road.
Senior outside hitter Zoe Gibbs delivered a great performance, leading the offensive charge with 13 kills while hitting an efficient .370. Her four digs also proved crucial as she contributed on both sides of the net, demonstrating senior leadership in key moments.
Alayna Tessena stepped up in a big way, finishing with 10 kills and two pivotal blocks that helped swing the momentum during tight stretches, especially in the third set. Her presence at the net added an important physical edge to the Bears' front line.
The Bears' offense flowed well thanks to a strong setting duo. Nerea Alvarez tallied 22 assists, while Mia Liddiard added 21, helping to maintain a balanced and dynamic attack throughout the match. Their ability to distribute the ball effectively allowed for multiple hitters to find success.
UP NEXT
The Bears will hit the road and travel to Montana to take on Montana and Montana State on Thursday and Saturday.
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)
Team Stats
EWU
UNC
Kills
45
59
Errors
20
21
Attempts
144
149
Hitting %
.174
.255
Points
56.0
71.0
Assists
39
50
Aces
5
4
Blocks
6
8
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Players Mentioned
Women's Walk Recap 2025
Wednesday, July 30
VB vs. Portland State
Thursday, November 15
VB vs. Idaho State
Saturday, November 03
VB vs. Weber State
Thursday, November 01