Wichita State Athletics

BOULDER, Colo. – Wichita State battled back from an early deficit to win the second set, but Northern Colorado closed out a four-set victory over the Shockers, 25-17, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19, Saturday afternoon at the CU Events Center.
 
The Shockers (2-3) found their rhythm in the second set, hitting .294 as a team while recording 15 kills. Wichita State used a late 5-0 run to take control, turning a 19-21 deficit into a 24-21 advantage before closing out the set on a kill from Grace Hett.
 
Jenna Cubbage led the Shockers with a career-high 13 kills and added a team-high 10 digs for her first double-double of the season. McKenzie Jones finished with 11 kills while Olivia Cohee recorded eight kills. Maddie Wilson and Danielle Moore contributed seven kills apiece, and Allie Paulsen hit .444 with five kills on nine attacks.
 
Addie Oeth paced the Wichita State offense with 24 assists, while Jordan Heatherly added 19 assists and nine digs.
 
Northern Colorado (1-3) controlled the opening set from the start, jumping ahead 6-0 before taking the first frame, 25-17. The Bears hit .444 in the opener and finished the match with a .313 attack percentage.

After Wichita State answered with its second-set victory, the third set remained tight throughout. The Shockers led 18-14 before Northern Colorado rallied to eventually take a 25-22 decision. The Bears then used a 6-0 run late in the fourth set to build a 20-14 lead and held off the Shockers' 4-0 run to hang on for the 25-19 win.

Northern Colorado's Alayna Tessena led all players with 17 kills on .400 hitting, while Summer Snead added 12 kills and hit .500. The Bears finished with 13 team blocks.
 
Wichita State continues its six-match road stretch at No. 15 Kansas on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.