PREVIEW: Bears Journey to Omaha Tackle (3) Creighton in First Spherical of NCAA Tournament

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado volleyball is gearing up for it is awaited return to the NCAA Tournament, touring to Omaha, Nebraska, for a first-round match up towards No. 3 seed Creighton. The Bears enter the postseason using a wave of momentum after capturing the Big Sky Championship—marking this system’s eighth convention title and securing the league’s computerized berth into the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

This season’s look marks Northern Colorado’s first journey to the nationwide stage since 2022. In that match, the Bears earned their seventh Big Sky crown and superior to face the University of San Diego, the place they battled a powerful Toreros squad earlier than in the end falling in 4 units.

Just a 12 months earlier, in 2021, the Bears punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a dramatic five-set win over Weber State within the convention title match—a victory that arrange a aggressive first-round assembly with Washington State.

At this 12 months’s Big Sky Tournament, Northern Colorado showcased that very same mix of depth and aggressive hearth. Brynn Reines, Bella LePore, and Isabel Bennett had been all named to the All-Tournament Team, whereas Reines earned MVP honors for her standout three-day efficiency.

The Bears closed the common season with a 17–15 general file and an 11–5 mark in convention play. Their 12–3 dwelling file inside Bank of Colorado Arena underscored the robust home-court benefit they established all year long.

LAST MEETING

Creighton isn’t any stranger to Northern Colorado. The groups most not too long ago met in a 2023 exhibition in Omaha, providing the Bears a invaluable take a look at the Bluejays’ high-level tempo and assaults. Prior to that, the applications met in 2013, when Creighton earned a straight-sets win.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT

The Bluejays enter the NCAA Tournament because the No. 3 seed after claiming their sixth consecutive Big East Championship. Creighton completed the 2025 common season with a powerful 25–5 general file, together with an ideal 16–0 run via convention play. The Bluejays additionally positioned three athletes on the Big East All-Tournament Team.

As Northern Colorado prepares for its newest NCAA Tournament check, the Bears will look to lean on match expertise, a core of standout performers, a crew with nice depth, and the arrogance earned via a championship run— aiming to make their mark within the nation’s high postseason levels.

COVERAGE

All matches will stream stay on ESPN+

Fans can comply with stay updates on UNC volleyball via the crew’s official social media channels.

FOLLOW THE BEARS

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