GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University women's volleyball team will hit the road for the first time this season in conference play. The team will head to Chadron, Nebraska, to take on Chadron State College Friday at 6 p.m., then return to Denver to take on Regis University Saturday at 5 p.m.
 
This weekend could prove to be important later in the season, as both opponents have key wins and losses that will shake up the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Chadron State, the Mountaineers first competition, was picked 10^th in the preseason poll, but led an upset against the fifth-picked UCCS last weekend. Chadron fell to Metro State (third-picked) in four sets following the upset.
 
Regis, the fourth-picked team, went home with two defeats last weekend. Despite strong play from RMAC Offensive Player of the Week Katie Kleen, the Rangers fell to Metro State and UCCS in four sets.
 
The Mountaineers are led by senior Tori Gaherty with 119 kills. She is averaging more than three kills a set and is leading the team in aces with 14. Assisting her from the opposite side is Jordan Eatwell with 94 kills.
 
Also for the Mountaineers, middles Molly Hothan and Avery Burkholder have combined for 156 total kills and 53 total blocks. Hothan hit a career-high .750 with 13 kills against Westminster and looks to continue to pressure opponents from the center this upcoming weekend.
 
Running the offense is setter Allison Walker, who is averaging 10.5 assists per set, good for third in the conference. Her 262 assists is paired with eight aces and 11 blocks. Her teammate coordinating the defense, Amanda Maestas, has 169 total digs as well as 18 cleanup assists.