Northern Colorado Closes Strong to Secure Four-Set Win - University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Thursday, October 22

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

10-10,6-3Big Sky

Northern Arizona

13-9,6-4Big Sky

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Northern Ariz.	22	14	25	23	1
Northern Colo.	25	25	22	25	3

10/22/2026 8:44:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado volleyball reclaimed the Blue and Gold Trophy on Thursday night, earning a 3-1 victory (25-22, 25-14, 22-25, 25-23) over Northern Arizona at Bank of Colorado Arena.

The Bears delivered a strong all-around performance in front of the home crowd, improving to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in Big Sky Conference play.

Outside Hitter Alayna Tessena and Middle Blocker Summer Snead led the offensive charge. Tessena finished with 18 kills, 20 digs and three service aces for a double-double, while Snead turned in a dominant performance with 19 kills on 30 attacks, hitting .600. Snead also contributed four solo blocks and four block assists, finishing with a match-high 25 points.

Northern Colorado set the tone early, taking the first set 25-22 before delivering a commanding 25-14 win in the second to move within a set of the match. Northern Arizona responded in the third, earning a 25-22 victory to extend the contest. The Bears closed out the match in the fourth set, using a strong finish to secure a 25-23 win and reclaim the Blue and Gold Trophy.

The Bears also received key contributions throughout the lineup. Setter Nerea Alvarez Jorge recorded 58 assists and 17 digs while adding two kills. Bella LePore anchored the defense with a team-high 23 digs, while Tessena added 20 digs and Leila Ballard chipped in 15. Kylie Cackovic added nine kills, and Gillian Walton contributed eight kills and two block assists. As a team, Northern Colorado recorded 66 kills, 97 digs and 12 total blocks while hitting .222.

NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS

Northern Colorado improved to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in Big Sky Conference play.
The Bears reclaimed the Blue and Gold Trophy with a 3-1 victory over Northern Arizona.
Summer Snead recorded 19 kills while hitting .600, adding eight total blocks and a match-high 25 points.
Alayna Tessena posted a double-double with 18 kills and 20 digs, adding three service aces.
Nerea Alvarez Jorge dished out 58 assists and recorded 17 digs.
Bella LePore led the Bears with 23 digs.
Northern Colorado finished with 66 kills, 97 digs and 12 total blocks.

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado Volleyball will look to quickly turn the page as the Bears hit the road to face Portland State on Saturday night. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT.

BEAR ATTACKERS CLUB: The Bear Attackers Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Volleyball. Contributions enhance the overall student-athlete experience by providing elevated nutrition, high-quality equipment, and travel opportunities that support competitive performances throughout the season. These investments directly empower our student-athletes as they prepare for every match, ensuring the Bears are equipped to perform at their best.

Give to the Bear Attackers Club today!

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