CEDAR CITY, Utah -- Southern Utah will travel to Greeley, Colo. to take on the University of Northern Colorado on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 pm. For the Thunderbirds, it will be the last road match of the season as they will return to Cedar City for their final two matches of the season after the matchup with the Bears.

The Thunderbirds

Southern Utah's offense scored 34 kills last time out against Utah Tech to make it four consecutive matches with at least 30 kills. The Thunderbirds have also scored at least 40 points in each of their last four matches after putting up 45 total against the Trailblazers.

Ryen Smith led the scoring effort for Southern Utah last match, scoring eight kills while recording one solo and two assisted blocks for ten total points. The junior from Smithfield now has five-plus kills in five consecutive matches and is averaging 2.63 kills per set over her last three outings.

Audrey Atwood tied for the team lead in kills against Utah Tech with eight while also leading all Southern Utah players with 11 digs. Atwood has been the team's best two-way threat in conference play, averaging more than 2.5 kills and two digs per set against Big Sky opponents.

On defense, the Thunderbirds enter Thursday's match averaging 14.28 digs per set during their last four matches as the back line has been flying to the ball in recent performances.  At the net, Southern Utah recorded six total blocks last time out against Utah Tech with five different players collecting at least one rejection.

Natalie Moore tied for the team lead with Ryen Smith in blocks on Tuesday, rejecting three total attacks as the Greeley, Colo. native now has 63 total blocks on the season to lead all Thunderbirds. Kaitlyn Barnes is on a run of strong play on the back line for Southern Utah, averaging 2.9 digs per set over her last four outings to lead all Thunderbirds.

The Bears

Northern Colorado is 14-11 for the season with a 10-4 record in conference play after winning its last four matches in a row. The Bears have been on an offensive hot streak recently, hitting above .320 in two of their last three matches. On defense, the Bears are very stingy, holding opponents to a hitting percentage of .188 for the season while averaging more than two blocks per set.

Bears vs Thunderbirds Part One

Southern Utah hosted Northern Colorado on Oct. 3 in a match the Bears won, 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-21). The Thunderbirds were led by Audrey Atwood's 10 points on nine kills and one ace while Kaitlyn Barnes and Talea Berry tied for the team lead in digs with six each. Click for full recap and box score.

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Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Volleyball season are now available. For more information and to purchase tickets for SUU Volleyball, visit tbirdtickets.com.