GUNNISON, Colo. - Western State Colorado University volleyball begins the regular season on the road at the Peggy Martin Challenge. The challenge takes place in Warrensburg, Missouri on the campus of Central Missouri University. The Mountaineers will play five matches at the challenge, with the first against the host school Central Missouri on Thursday at 2 p.m.

Following Thursday's match, Western will face the University of Illinois Springfield at 11 a.m. and St. Cloud State University at 3 p.m. on Friday. In their final two matches on Saturday, the Mountaineers will face Truman State University at 9 a.m. and the University of Mary at 1 p.m.

Fans can follow all the action by visiting the Peggy Martin Challenge Headquarters.

MATCH NOTES

SEASON OPENERS
Western is looking to break a four-year losing streak in season openers. The last Mountaineer opening season win was in 2010 when Western defeated East Central College 3-1. 

ROAD WARRIORS
Western will start the season on a long road trip. The Mountaineers will play in two tournaments, one neutral court match and two conference matches. In total, Western will play 12 matches before their first match at home on Sept. 22 against CSU-Pueblo.

SERIES HISTORY
Western will open the 2015 season against Central Missouri and Illinois Springfield, two teams the Mountaineers have yet to face in program history. Western has faced their following three opponents - St. Cloud State, Truman State and the University of Mary - each once before. 

Series Records:

St. Cloud State (0-1)
9/4/99    N    L, 2-3 (15-7, 15-10, 12-15, 13-15, 11-15)

Truman (0-1) 
8/30/03    N    L, 0-3 (28-30, 20-30, 28-30)

Univ. of Mary (0-1)
9/10/11    N    L, 0-3 (22-25, 21-25, 22-25)

FAMILIAR FACES
Western returns 14 of the 20 players on the 2015 roster. These returners include all five top point scorers of 2014 - Jordan Eatwell (252), Hailey Rehage (160), Crystal Powell (154), Taylor Castillo (121.5), Tori Gaherty (110.5).

PREASEASON RANKINGS
Western was picked to finish eighth in the RMAC's Mountain Division in 2015.

2015 RMAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
Mountain Division
1.      Colorado Mines (8) – 217 points
2.      CSU-Pueblo (1) – 171 points
3.      Adams State – 128 points
4.      Colorado Christian – 118 points
5.      Western New Mexico – 107 points
6.      Fort Lewis – 82 points
7.      New Mexico Highlands – 62 points
8.      Western State Colorado – 44 points
 
Rocky Division
1.      MSU Denver (1) – 198 points
2.      Colorado Mesa (5) – 197 points
3.      Regis (1) – 189 points
4.      UCCS – 151 points
5.      Black Hills State - 90 points
6.      South Dakota Mines – 67 points
7.      Chadron State – 55 points
8.      Westminster – 44 points