GUNNISON, Colo. – Following a split weekend at home, Western Colorado University Women's Basketball hits the road for two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games this weekend. Western will make the long-haul to Chadron, Nebraska for a 5:30 p.m. tip off with Chadron State College on Saturday. Working their way home, Western will test Metropolitan State University of Denver at 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

 In recent weeks, Western (3-2, 1-2 RMAC) has doubled down on defense.

In their last three games, no team has shot more than 35% from the floor against the Mountaineers. Across the young RMAC season, Western is holding opponents to a mere 32.7% shooting – the best performing defense in the conference. Western is also holding their opponents to an average of 53.4 points per game, good enough for the second lowest total in the RMAC.

Rebounding has been a driver of defensive success as Western averages 27 defensive rebounds per game. In a team effort, three women are averaging more than three rebounds per game. Tammarrah Gothard leads the team at 5.4 while Jessie Erickson grabs 4.0 and Chandler Willis 3.0 rebounds per game.

The defensive effort has helped a streaky Mountaineer offense gain an edge when hot. Sophomores Katie Dalton and Samantha Coleman lead the Western offense with 11.4 and 9.6 points per game, respectively.  

Against Chadron State College (1-8, 0-3 RMAC) Western finds a team in the midst of a seven game slide. Without a win in the RMAC, Chadron will chase their first conference win when they welcome Western to the court.

In their only game against the Eagles last season, Western took a nail-biter from Chadron 59-57.

Taryn Foxen leads a Chadron offense that is averaging 54.44 points per game. Foxen's 14.0 points per game is among the top ten best in the RMAC.

When Western tests MSU Denver (3-5, 2-1 RMAC) on Sunday they find a team in transition after a stellar 2017-18 season.

After losing numerous starters, the Roadrunners played a tough preseason schedule but look to be finding form in the conference – albeit uneasily.

Two of the last three games for MSU Denver have required overtime as the Roadrunners split outcomes, beating Chadron before falling to Colorado Christian University.
Last season, MSU Denver defeated Western 69-61.

Jaelynn Smith and Emily Hartegan pace the Roadrunners with 16.3 and 15.8 points per game.

Western will be hosting a pregame social on Sunday at Brooklyn's near the Pepsi Center. All Western fans and Fast Break Club members are encouraged to attend from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.

For those who can't make it to Denver this weekend, the live stream and stats can be found in the story links above. Be sure to check back to gomountaineers.com for full recaps of all the action.