CHADRON, Neb. - October 22, 2015 - Chadron State volleyball goes back on the road Friday looking to stay alive for the RMAC Tournament in a pair of matches against New Mexico teams. They face the longest road trip of the year as well as two formidable opponents. Western New Mexico University (14-5, 9-2 RMAC) hosts the Eagles Friday night at 7 p.m. before New Mexico Highlands (6-15, 2-9 RMAC) welcomes them on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Western New Mexico sits in a four-way tie for the best record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings. Three of their losses are to teams either ranked or receiving votes in the weekly American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. They were winners of their first nine conference matches, however the Eagles catch them at the right time, following two straight shutout losses. The Mustangs lead the RMAC in two critical defensive statistics - opponent hitting percentage and digs - ranking 20th in NCAA Division II by holding foes to a rate of .115. They have yet to lose a home match.
New Mexico Highlands may have only two conference wins, but they have defeated Western State and Adams State, both of which gave the Eagles trouble earlier in the year. The Cowgirls are tied for 13th in the conference standings with three other teams at 2-9. The match is one that CSC surely must win if they hope to land in the conference postseason. New Mexico Highlands is adept at avoiding blocks, having the second-lowest opponent blocks per set in the conference, so something must give in this contest as the Eagles rank third in blocking. Chadron State has not defeated the Cowgirls since October 13, 2012.
Chadron State (5-14, 4-7 RMAC) hopes to continue their winning ways, after breaking a streak of more than two weeks without a win on Saturday. CSC took down Colorado Christian last time they played, getting one crucial win after facing teams in playoff position for their last three outings.
WNMU on Friday night will make the fourth straight opponent currently in the RMAC top eight. They must remain on the road for the next four consecutive matches, with dates at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Metropolitan State University of Denver - the two other leading RMAC teams - right around the corner.
