For the first time in 15 years and just the second time ever, Northern Colorado defeated the Colorado volleyball team.

In a battle that went back-and-forth throughout five sets, the UNC Bears topped CU 3-2 on Wednesday night, defeating the Buffs 25-23, 18-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-8 at the CU Events Center.

It was the fourth five-set match in seven games for the Buffs, who won the first two but have now lost two in a row after squandering a 2-0 lead against Washington on Sunday.

The Bears’ only previous win against CU was in 2009. The Buffs had won four straight against UNC since then, including a sweep in Greeley last year.

The squads essentially traded points throughout the opening set, but it was Northern Colorado that made the plays late, breaking a 23-23 tie with the final two points to take the early advantage.

It was a similar story in the second set until CU broke a 14-14 tie with five consecutive points. Soon after, the Buffs pulled even at 1-1 by finishing the frame on a 6-2 run.

It was the Bears’ turn once again in the third set, with UNC using seven consecutive points to take a 16-9 lead. CU battled to within 21-17 before the Bears secured a 2-1 set lead by scoring the final four points.

CU stayed alive in the fourth set, scoring the first four points while jumping to a 7-2 lead. Although the Buffs led the rest of the way, the Bears rallied to trim CU’s lead to 22-21 down the stretch before the Buffs forced a fifth and deciding set by scoring three of the final four points.

UNC used a 6-1 run to take a 9-3 lead in the fifth. Three straight CU points put the Buffs within 11-8, but UNC scored the final four points to clinch the win.

CU (4-3) committed only 13 attack errors and posted a .240 hitting percentage, but UNC hit .273 to survive 34 attack errors and 15 serving errors.

Ana Burilovic led CU’s attack with 15 kills, while Lily Dwinell added nine kills and six blocks. UNC setter Syd Cole finished with 64 assists.

A busy week for CU continues this weekend as the Buffs host three matches in three days at the Buffs Invitational, beginning with a Friday night date against UC Irvine (7 p.m., ESPN+). On Saturday, CU hosts former Pac-12 rival California (6 p.m., ESPN+) before ending the showcase on Sunday against Wyoming (1 p.m., ESPN+).