BOXSCORE: NC-LaFayette

BOXSCORE: NC-La Salle

PHILADELPHIA -- The firsts keep coming for Northern Colorado’s volleyball program.

First, the Bears made their inaugural international trip this past offseason when they traveled for 11 days to Eastern China in mid-May.

Now, Northern Colorado is off to its first 4-0 start in NCAA Division I play after knocking off Lafayette and LaSalle on Saturday, Aug. 30, en route to the 2008 La Salle Tournament title – the program’s first such title.

The Bears won both of the matches with 3-0 counts, knocking off the host Explorers 25-17, 25-16 and 25-11 and the Lafayette Leopards 25-14, 25-17 and 25-16.

The 4-0 surge out of the gate is not only Northern Colorado’s best start to a season at the Division I level, it’s also the program’s best overall start since beginning 10-0 in 2002. It’s just the second time the Bears have started a season 4-0 since 1996.

“I really like how we finished the day,” Northern Colorado coach Lyndsey Benson said. “Our level against La Salle was great, and it’s where we’re going to need to be as we head into next weekend.”

Bears junior Allison Raguse had her second strong day of the season in as many days as she combined for 24 kills in the two victories.

Raguse was honored as tournament MVP following the victory against the Explorers, and sophomore Ashley Lichtenberg continued her strong start to the season with Northern Colorado’s second All-Tournament team selection.

“Our middles dominated again today,” Benson said. “They had a great day, and Lauren (Carter) was setting Allison and Taylor (Smith) really well. They both scored well in both our matches today.”

The Bears are now off until Friday, Sept. 5, when they will begin play in the North Dakota State Tournament against UTEP in Fargo, N.D.

2008 LA SALLE TOURNAMENT ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Northern Colorado
Allison Raguse, Jr. (MVP)
Ashley Lichtenberg, So.

Villanova
Morgan Petkovich, Fr.
Amy Gulyas, Jr.

Rider
Lacey Johnson, Sr.

Lafayette
Kari Horn, Jr.

La Salle
Rachel Stemper, Jr.