Northern Colorado women’s basketball ended its postseason run on Mar. 22 with a 60–80 loss to South Dakota in the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in Vermillion.
The game marked the conclusion of a milestone season for the Bears, who showed strong effort throughout the matchup. Northern Colorado started with high energy, shooting 40 percent in the first quarter and improving their offensive rhythm in the second by making seven out of ten shots. Despite facing challenges in the third quarter, the team continued to attack and earned eight points from twelve free-throw attempts during that period.
Heather Baymon led Northern Colorado off the bench with 15 points, including three three-pointers and consistent free-throw shooting. Tatum West contributed 14 points on five-of-seven shooting, helping set an early offensive tone. The Bears finished shooting 40 percent from the field overall and made use of their aggressiveness by getting to the free-throw line 25 times. They also turned defensive pressure into 14 points off turnovers. South Dakota secured its win through efficient shooting in the second half.
Despite this defeat, Northern Colorado achieved several milestones during the 2025–26 campaign under Head Coach Kristen Mattio. The team recorded its first 20-win season since 2018–19, notched more wins and conference victories than any previous year under Mattio’s leadership, and posted its best start in program history by reaching 14 wins through its first 20 games.
Individual players also reached significant career marks. Gabi Fields finished tied for third all-time at Northern Colorado in games played (127) and second in games started (126). She is also among program leaders for single-season appearances and starts, ranks second all-time in career steals (259), and fifth for single-season assists (123). Aniah Hall concluded her career tied for fourth all-time in games played (126), ranking thirteenth in rebounds (636), sixth in blocks (94), and joining Northern Colorado’s 1,000-point club with a total of 1,078 career points—eighteenth all-time.
Fans can continue to follow updates about Northern Colorado women’s basketball at uncbears.com or on social media platforms.
