Isabel Bennett News Today

“We knew this was going to be a big match and we wanted to make sure it wasn’t any bigger than it needed to be,” second-year Eagles coach Jon Haruguchi said. “Play where our feet are and play together.” 

The Bears, 11-4 in the Big Sky and 16-10 overall, defeated the Bengals 25-14, 25-16 and 25-17. UNC has not lost since Oct. 26 when they were swept in three sets at home by league leader Sacramento State. 

UNC improves to 9-4 in the Big Sky and 14-10 overall heading to its final road match of the season. UNC plays at 3 p.m. Saturday at Eastern Washington in Cheney.

Northern Colorado rallied for a 15-13 win in a back-and-forth fifth set to move into sole possession of third place in the conference standings.

UNC, 7-4 in the conference and 12-10 overall, has five regular-season matches remaining before the conference tournament later this month. UNC hosts the tournament Nov. 22-24 at Bank of Colorado Arena.

The Bears pulled out close wins in the first and third sets, 25-23 and 26-24, while dominating the Vikings 25-11 in the second set. 

The Bears had not played a match since losing to Montana State 3-2 at home Oct. 7. UNC play matches Thursday and Friday at Weber State and Idaho State, respectively, before returning home to host  Sacramento State Oct. 26 at Bank of Colorado Arena. 

Cole had 47 assists for the second-straight match and now has 2,528 career assists.

Cole had 47 assists for the second-straight match and now has 2,528 career assists.

Cole had 47 assists for the second-straight match and now has 2,528 career assists.