GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., GUNNISON, Colo.  It's a jam-packed weekend for the Mountaineers, with all four programs in action. No. 8 football hits the road for its first RMAC road test of the season when Western travels to Colorado Mesa. Volleyball returns home to host Regis University on Friday before welcoming Chadron State on Saturday. Women's soccer also has a pair of home matches on tap, opening RMAC play Thursday against Colorado State University Pueblo before hosting UCCS on Sunday. Cross Country hosts the 17th annual Mountaineer/Cowboy Invitational. With conference play getting underway across multiple sports, it's shaping up to be a big weekend for Mountaineer Athletics!

SOCCER vs. Colorado State Pueblo
Thurs., Sept. 17, 6 p.m. | Katy O. Rady Field at the Rady Sports Complex | Gunnison, Colo.
Watch (PPV) | Live Stats | Digital Program | Tickets

SOCCER vs. UCCS
Sun., Sept. 20, 1 p.m. | Katy O. Rady Field at the Rady Sports Complex | Gunnison, Colo.
Watch (PPV) | Live Stats | Tickets

• Western Colorado women's soccer is coming off a thrilling 5-4 victory over Angelo State, with the Mountaineers edging the Rambelles in a high-scoring battle.
• Natsuki Murakami delivered the game-winning goal in the 69th minute, giving Western the lead and securing the victory.
• The Mountaineers will open RMAC play on Thursday when they host Colorado State University Pueblo. The all-time series between Western and Pueblo stands at 2-4-7, with the two teams playing to a draw in last season's matchup. Western will look to come out strong in its conference opener and earn a win against the ThunderWolves.
• Adah Minikel-Lacocque and Ohama Saya have led the Mountaineers offensively this season, each finding the back of the net three times. The duo will look to continue their strong play as Western begins its RMAC schedule.
• Following Thursday's matchup, the Mountaineers will return home Sunday to host the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. UCCS holds a 14-3 advantage in the all-time series, but Western enters the weekend with momentum and a strong offensive attack.
• With the Mountaineers finding their rhythm, Western will look to carry that momentum into RMAC play and continue its scoring success throughout the weekend.

 
VOLLEYBALL vs. Regis University
Fri., Sept. 18, 6 p.m. | Paul Wright Gym | Gunnison, Colo.
Watch (PPV) | Live Stats | Tickets | Digital Program
 
VOLLEYBALL vs. Chardon State
Sat., Sept. 19, 6 p.m. | Paul Wright Gym | Gunnison, Colo.
Watch (PPV) | Live Stats | Tickets | Digital Program
 

• Western Colorado volleyball returns home this weekend following a two-match road swing through South Dakota, where the Mountaineers split their two contests at South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State.
• Western closed out the road trip on a high note, sweeping Black Hills State in straight sets. The Mountaineers will look to carry that momentum back to Gunnison as they continue their strong start to the season.
• The Mountaineers have continued to find their rhythm throughout September, picking up several big wins along the way. Western will open the weekend Friday against Regis University, with the all-time series currently standing at 1-18 in favor of the Rangers.
• This year's Mountaineer squad brings a different look to the court, led by an offense that has produced several standout performances. Andrea Torres leads Western with 94 kills, while Sierra Long follows closely behind with 77. Anuhea Ka'alele and Olivia Moore will be tasked with directing the offense and setting the Mountaineers up for success throughout the weekend.
• Defensively, Galatia Andrew anchors the back row and continues to make an impact with her ability to track down digs and keep rallies alive, helping spark Western's transition into the attack.
• In the middle, Kyra Kidd has emerged as a force at the net. Kidd leads the team with four solo blocks and 26 block assists, providing a strong defensive presence for the Mountaineers.
• Following Friday's matchup with Regis, Western will turn around Saturday to host Chadron State. The all-time series stands at 8-10, with Chadron State holding the advantage.
• With a balanced attack and strong defensive presence, the Mountaineers will look to protect home court and continue building momentum as they take on two RMAC opponents this weekend.

 
 FOOTBALL at Colorado Mesa
Sat., Sept. 19, 6 p.m. | Ralph Stocker Stadium | Grand Junction, Colo.
Watch (PPV) | Live Stats | Tickets
 

• No. 8 Western Colorado football hits the road this weekend for its first RMAC road game of the season when the Mountaineers travel to take on Colorado Mesa.
• Western enters the matchup coming off an impressive defensive performance against Chadron State last weekend. The Mountaineers held the Eagles to nine points, putting the clamps on Chadron State's offense and setting the tone from start to finish.
• The all-time series currently stands at 8-12 in favor of Colorado Mesa, but Western brings a powerful offensive attack into this weekend's matchup.
• Quarterback Josiah Roy has been outstanding to start the season, leading the Mountaineers with 716 passing yards through three games. Roy is averaging 238 passing yards per game and will look to continue his strong play as Western takes its offense on the road.
• Roy's top target has been DJ Allen Jr., who has recorded 229 receiving yards to start the season while averaging 76 yards per game. Caden Measner and Ramon Ruiz have also provided Roy with reliable options in the passing game, giving the Mountaineers a dangerous group of receivers.
• On the defensive side of the ball, Caden Campuzano has been a disruptive force at linebacker. Campuzano leads Western with four sacks on the season and will look to create problems for the Mavericks' offense.
• Ian Loomis has also been a key piece of the Mountaineer defense, leading the team with 27 tackles. Along the defensive line, Mikey Smith continues to make his presence felt after recording his second sack of the season last weekend.
• Western also brings a dynamic rushing attack into the matchup. The Mountaineers have utilized a three-headed rushing attack, with Damien Nevel leading the way with three touchdowns on the season. Isaiah Jones has led the team in rushing and continues to provide a physical presence in the backfield, while Gabe Schubarth adds another dangerous option for the Mountaineers.
• With playmakers on both sides of the ball, Western will look to carry the momentum from last week's dominant defensive performance into its first RMAC road test of the season.

 XC at 17th Annual Mountaineer/Cowboy Invite
Sat., Sept. 19, 10 a.m. | Gunnison Community School| Gunnison, Colo.
Live Stats 
 

• Western Colorado cross country returns home this weekend for the 17th annual Mountaineer/Cowboy Invitational as the Mountaineers prepare to compete in front of their home crowd.
• Western enters the weekend looking to build on a strong 2025 season that saw both the men's and women's teams finish fifth at the NCAA Championships.
• The Mountaineers also made their presence felt at the RMAC Championships last season, with the men finishing third and the women taking fourth.
• Western enters the 2026 season ranked third in the South-Central Region on both the men's and women's sides, setting the stage for another competitive season.
• On the women's side, Peyton Weiss and Lauren Willson return to lead the Mountaineers. Both runners have established themselves among the program's top performers and will look to set the pace for Western when the Mountaineers take to the course Saturday morning.
• The men's squad will be led by returning national qualifiers Oliver Diaz and Tyler Nord. Diaz qualified for the NCAA Championships last season, while Nord returns as a national qualifier in both cross country and track and field. The duo will look to lead a talented Mountaineer squad in Saturday's race.