GUNNISON, Colo. – The Western State Colorado University women's volleyball team opens up Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play Friday, Sept. 18, against New Mexico Highlands University (2-4, 0-0 RMAC) 7 p.m. in Las Vegas, N.M. Western State will play its final game of a 12-game road stretch at Western New Mexico University (5-3, 0-0 RMAC) Saturday at 7 p.m. This will be the last trip the team takes to Silver City, as the Mustangs are joining the Lonestar Conference after this year.
 
The Mountaineers (2-8, 0-0 RMAC) as a team are hitting well thanks to good ball distribution. Western averages just under 11 kills per set on 10 assists per set. The team also has combined for 55 aces and total blocks thus far.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Eatwell leads the team with 96 kills. Junior Tori Gaherty has come on strong as of late, hitting 40 of her 63 season kills last week in five games. Taylor Castillo and Molly Hothan each have 52 kills.
 
Junior setter Allison Walker has had a strong start to the season, recording 239 assists to lead the team. Senior Tepora Su'a has assisted in the setting, contributing 54 assists including a complete game with 35 against Tarleton State.
 
Defensively, Amanda Maestas leads the team in the backrow with 153 digs. Maestas was named to the Peggy Martin All-Tournament team following the Mountaineers first tournament. Up front Hothan has a team-high 22 blocks, followed closely by junior Avery Burkholder with 21. Freshman Kathleen Kasel and Eatwell each have chipped in 14 blocks as well.
 
Western State has its first home competition of the 2015 season Tuesday, Sept 22, against CSU-Pueblo. First serve is set for 7 p.m.