GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University women's volleyball will host a handful of important teams this weekend in Paul Wright Gymnasium. First up for Western is No.18-ranked Colorado School of Mines, one of two teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference with an undefeated conference record. On Saturday, the Mountaineers will host the Cougars of Colorado Christian, as well as numerous community members battling breast cancer for their annual 'Dig Pink' campaign. The Mountaineers will recognize these individuals at halftime, as well as donate all earnings from attendance to Tough Enough to Wear Pink, an organization dedicated to helping the fight on breast cancer.
 
The Mountaineers are looking to repeat what they accomplished last season, when they upset then No.12-ranked Colorado Mines at home. The team went on to sweep that weekend, jumpstarting their run to the RMAC Tournament.
 
Western has had a tough run in the past four matches, all of which went to a fifth set. The Mountaineers (8-8, 4-4 RMAC) are currently tied for seventh in the conference with two other teams.
 
Tori Gaherty continues to shine, putting down a conference-high 42 kills in two matches last weekend. She is currently ninth in the conference in kills per set and eighth in total kills. Joining her is Jordan Eatwell and Molly Hothan, both of which have more than 150 kills.
 
Defensively, Amanda Maestas is rolling towards the Mountaineer career record in digs, needing just 50 to take the title. She has already recorded 280 this season, and has added 14 aces. Up front Avery Burkholder has taken over, with 52 total blocks to her name, 25 of which came in the last four games.