GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University upset No. 12-ranked Colorado School of Mines in four sets (19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 27-25) Friday evening in Gunnison. The Mountaineers (3-11, 1-3 RMAC) end a drought of eight-straight losses to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference perennial powerhouse Orediggers (8-3, 2-1 RMAC), with the last win coming in 2007.
 
This is the first top-25 win for Western State since 2008 when the team upset No. 7-ranked Nebraska-Kearney in a five-set home victory.
 
Taylor Castillo and Jordan Eatwell led the way for the Mountaineers, slamming down 14 kills apiece. Tori Gaherty added in 11 kills, while Molly Hothan finished with eight. Setter Allison Walker had a top-five career performance with 41 assists to five teammates. Senior Hailey Rehage stepped in all three set wins late, serving two key aces in the Western victory.
 
The Mountaineers defense won the match tonight, dominating the net with a pair of solo blocks and a dozen block assists. Avery Burkholder was a force upfront with a career-high eight total blocks (1 solo, 7 assists). Molly Hothan added six, while Walker was in on four. Gaherty and Eatwell each had three. In the back row, Amanda Maestas had a match-high 23 digs, while Logan Franek had 15. Eatwell finished with 11 digs.
 
The Mountaineers look to finish off a home weekend with a win over Colorado Christian University tomorrow evening at 7 p.m.