GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Mountaineers begin their regular season
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference competition this week as they head to Brownson Arena for a match against Colorado Mesa University on Tuesday. Following the match with the Mavericks, Western will hit the road for a Saturday matchup against Westminster College.
Fresh off their first win of the season to wrap up the New Victorian Inn & Suites/Runza Fall Classic at the University of Nebraska Kearney, Western (1-8, 0-0 RMAC) looks to capitalize on their momentum shift heading into Tuesday's action with Colorado Mesa.
Facing the Mavericks, the Mountaineers will continue to count on the big arm of
Jordan Eatwell to put points on the board. Eatwell leads the Mountaineer offensive attack with 76 kills so far this season. Freshman teammate,
Kiki Johnson has also shouldered the load for the Mountaineers with 59 kills early this fall.
Kathleen Kasel has also been a force at the net, averaging 1.18 blocks per game for a total of 20 so far in September.
Taylor Ferrel has also contributed at the net with 15 blocks from her middle position.
While Eatwell and Johnson earn the kills, they have been facilitated by
freshman setter,
Hanna Hendrickson who is averaging 8.25 assists per game. Defensively,
Logan Franek continues to create opportunities for her teammates with 124 digs this season.
Having faced the Mavericks in a preseason scrimmage, this will be the Mountaineers second chance for a win versus CMU.
The Mavericks (6-2 0-0 RMAC) are off to strong start in 2017 behind the arm of Mackenzie Edwards with 120 kills. Additionally, Megan Gianinetti has been a force at the boundary line with 14 service aces. Setter Samantha Ritter spreads the wealth for CMU, averaging 10.71 assists per game.
On Saturday, the Mountaineers will make the journey to Salt Lake City, Utah squaring off with Westminster College (3-5, 0-0 RMAC). In 2016, the Mountaineers took both matches they played with Westminster.
The Griffins opened the season with four consecutive losses before taking three of four matches in their own tournament. Audrey Green leads the Griffin attack with 62 kills while Amara Spere offers strong presence at the net with 17 blocks. On Saturday, Westminster will be fresh off their first RMAC competition of the year with CMU.
