The University of Northern Colorado volleyball team clinched the Big Sky Conference Tournament title on November 26, 2025, with a commanding three-set victory over Idaho State at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley. The Bears dominated the match, showcasing their skill and determination from the start, establishing a 7-0 lead in the first set before Idaho State could even serve.
UNC’s strong performance continued throughout the match. They fought back from a deficit in the second set, executing a seven-point run that shifted the momentum in their favor. In the third set, the Bears jumped ahead 5-1, maintaining control despite Idaho State’s attempts to narrow the gap. Ultimately, UNC won seven of the last ten points to secure the championship.
Reflecting on the victory, senior outside hitter and tournament most valuable player Brynn Reines expressed her gratitude for the team’s journey. “Winning this tournament my freshman year and working our way back to now, I’m so grateful for this team. The best feeling ever,” she said.
Historic Achievement for the Bears
This championship marks the eighth title for the Bears in 13 tournament appearances under the leadership of long-time head coach Lyndsey Oates. Since taking the helm just before the 2005 season, Oates has transformed UNC into one of the premier mid-major programs in NCAA Division I volleyball. The victory also secures the Bears an automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
In last year’s tournament, the Bears reached the final but fell short against Sacramento State in a closely contested five-set match. This year’s success has been particularly rewarding for the team and its supporters. “It’s great for the athletic department, the university, and the community,” said Darren Dunn, UNC’s athletic director. “This team took time to build together and work together and they never lost belief.”
The volleyball team is not the only Bears squad to excel in the Big Sky Conference this year. Earlier in March, the men’s basketball team also competed for the tournament title, although they were defeated by Montana.
Standout Performances and Future Prospects
The tournament’s final saw several players shine, with middle blocker Zoe Gibbs contributing key points throughout the match. Senior Bella Van Lannen, along with Reines and teammates Isabel Bennett and Bella LePore, were named to the all-tournament team. Van Lannen described the experience as one filled with “chills,” highlighting the respect shared between the competing teams. “We fought our way here. Idaho State fought their way here. We just came out on top,” she noted.
The Bears’ sweep of Idaho State was their second of the season against the Bengals, who entered the final as the tournament’s lowest seed. Remarkably, Idaho State had reached the finals after defeating top-seeded Northern Arizona and fourth-seeded Weber State, making their journey noteworthy.
Head coach Oates emphasized the importance of the Bears’ aggressive start, particularly their effective serves. “Nerea’s serving was aggressive. Everything was clicking for a few points there,” she said, referring to setter Nerea Alvarez-Jorge, who had 39 assists in the final match.
As the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament, they will take a brief break for the holiday before resuming practice. Oates plans to gather the team to watch the NCAA selection show on Sunday, which will announce match pairings and locations.
“We will enjoy these next two days; they need some rest,” Oates said, “but we don’t want to lose our edge.” With momentum on their side, the Northern Colorado Bears are poised for a strong showing in the upcoming tournament.
