GREELEY, Colo. (October 22, 2026) - The Northern Arizona women's volleyball team fell to Northern Colorado in the battle of the blue and gold on Thursday evening, losing in four sets, 22-25, 14-25, 25-22, 23-25. The Lumberjacks now stand at 13-9 overall and 6-4 in Big Sky play, while the Bears improve to 10-10 overall and 6-3 in conference play.

Hanah Stoddard and Gigi Greenlee led Northern Arizona offensively with 12 kills apiece, while Quincey Coyle added nine kills and a team-high three service aces. Greenlee also paced the Lumberjacks with four blocks, including two solo blocks, as NAU finished with nine total team blocks. Ella Hosfeld recorded 20 assists and 15 digs, while Taryn Davis added 13 assists. Lilly Holmes led the defensive effort with 16 digs, and Stoddard recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 15 digs.

NAU battled through a competitive opening set that featured 15 ties and nine lead changes. Greenlee opened the match with a kill, while Coyle served an ace during an early 3-0 run. Stoddard added a service ace to move ahead after being tied 15 a piece, and a Coyle-Greenlee block helped NAU briefly take an 18-17 lead. However, Northern Colorado responded late to claim the set 25-22.

The Lumberjacks struggled to establish their rhythm in the second set, hitting .119 as Northern Colorado built a commanding lead with a strong serving run. Greenlee and Masina Perez teamed up for a block early, while Avery Gottschalk contributed two kills on four attempts. However, the Bears pulled away to take the set 25-14 and move ahead 2-0.

NAU responded in the third set, improving its attack and using a pivotal 7-0 run to swing the momentum. Trailing 17-14, the Lumberjacks rallied behind consecutive kills from Greenlee and Stoddard, followed by two service aces from Coyle as Northern Arizona moved in front 21-17. The Lumberjacks held on to win 25-22, with Stoddard recording six kills in the set and Coyle contributing four kills and two aces.

The fourth set remained tightly contested, with NAU erasing an early deficit and eventually tying the score at 21-21. Holmes sparked the comeback with a service ace and helped set up a block by Perez, while Stoddard and Greenlee delivered key kills. Davis also contributed two kills in the set as NAU continued to battle. After Coyle's kill gave the Lumberjacks a 23-21 lead, Northern Colorado answered with four consecutive points to close out the match, 25-23.

The 'Jacks return to their home court on Oct. 29, facing Idaho at 6:30 p.m. MST. They will then host Eastern Washington on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. MST.

Stay up to date with Northern Arizona volleyball by following the Lumberjacks on X and Instagram.