Bears Take Down Air Force in Four Sets

Friday, September 18

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

4-6,0-0Big Sky

Air Force

4-7,0-0Mountain West

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Air Force	20	20	25	15	1
Northern Colo.	25	25	17	25	3

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

9/18/2026 8:32:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado volleyball earned a 3-1 victory over Air Force on Friday night at Bank of Colorado Arena, defeating the Falcons 25-20, 25-20, 17-25, 25-15.

UNC came out strong in the opening two sets, posting a .304 hitting percentage in the first set before hitting .216 in the second to take a 2-0 advantage. The Bears continued to battle after Air Force claimed the third set, closing the match with a dominant fourth-set performance and a .231 hitting percentage.

Alayna Tessena led the Bears offensively with 14 kills while adding 11 digs and a service ace. Summer Snead followed closely behind with 13 kills while hitting an impressive .423 on the night and added three blocks.

Nerea Alvarez Jorge helped orchestrate the UNC attack with 43 assists while contributing six kills, a .556 hitting percentage, one service ace and 10 digs. Leila Ballard provided a spark from the service line, recording a team-high five aces while adding four kills, a block and eight digs.

Gillian Walton also reached double figures with 10 kills, while Bella LePore anchored the back row with a team-high 19 digs. Kylie Cackovic added six kills off the bench, while Maddie Rink contributed two kills and two blocks.

As a team, UNC finished the night with 56 kills on 152 attacks, hitting .217 while collecting 49 assists, nine service aces, six blocks and 66 digs.

NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS
Alayna Tessena: 14 kills, 11 digs, 1 ace
Summer Snead: 13 kills, .423 hitting, 3 blocks
Nerea Alvarez Jorge: 43 assists, 6 kills, .556 hitting, 10 digs
Leila Ballard: 4 kills, 5 aces, 8 digs, 1 block
Gillian Walton: 10 kills
Bella LePore: 19 digs
UNC: 56 kills, 49 assists, 9 aces, 6 blocks, 66 digs

UP NEXT: The Bears will close out the UNC Volleyball Invite against Utah on Saturday at 12 p.m. MT inside Bank of Colorado Arena. The match will mark UNC's final non-conference contest of the season and will also serve as Parents Day.

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!

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).