University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Picked First in Big Sky Preseason Poll: Tessena, Alvarez Jorge Earn Preseason Honors
8/19/2026 12:10:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
FARMINGTON, Utah – Northern Colorado Volleyball has been selected as the preseason favorite in the Big Sky Conference, while outside hitter Alayna Tessena and setter Nerea Alvarez Jorge earned Preseason All-Conference honors, the conference announced Wednesday afternoon.
The Bears enter the 2026 season as the defending Big Sky champions after capturing the program's eighth conference championship with a sweep over Idaho State in last year's championship match.
Tessena and Alvarez Jorge lead a pair of Bears recognized on the preseason All-Conference team. Tessena led Northern Colorado with 476 kills in 2025, appearing in all 33 matches and earning Second Team All-Conference honors.
Alvarez Jorge returns after a strong 2025 campaign in which she recorded 923 assists and 14 double-doubles. The setter will help anchor a Bears squad looking to build on last season's championship run.
Northern Colorado finished the 2025 season with a 17-16 overall record and an 11-5 mark in Big Sky play. UNC enters 2026 looking to defend its championship and remain at the top of the Big Sky.
The Bears will get their first taste of action on Friday, August 21 when they host Wyoming in an exhibition match at 6 p.m. inside Bank of Colorado Arena. The regular season officially begins on Saturday, August 29 when Northern Colorado hosts UC Davis.
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