Match Notes | v. SDSU: Game Center | v. Nevada: Game Center

The University of Wyoming women’s volleyball team returns home this weekend for a pair of Mountain West conference matches. The Cowgirls are set to square off against San Diego State (12-7, 4-1 MW) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., MT, before taking on Nevada (13-4, 4-1 MW) Saturday at 1 p.m. All three teams are tied for third place in the MW standings heading into the fourth weekend of conference play.

“To be able to get a split last weekend against two quality teams shows a lot about our group,” UW head coach Chad Callihan said. “These next two opponents are really talented and present different challenges, so it will be nice to have them at home. We know we will have to really earn our points, but moving on we will focus on Thursday and get back to what we are consistent at.”

Wyoming will be back in action to protect its perfect home record after splitting the third week of MW conference play, 1-1. UW came up short in a 3-1 loss at UNLV before pushing past New Mexico in three sets last weekend. Wyoming moved to 11-7 overall and 4-1 in MW play. Senior Kayla Slofkiss had her best weekend of the year, as she combined for a team-leading 34 kills (4.86 kps), in addition to 20 digs (2.86 dps). She recorded her third double-double against UNLV and was one dig away from her fourth against New Mexico. Slofkiss leads UW with 165 kills (2.84 kps), and is second on the team with 153 digs (2.64 dps). Senior Courtney Chacon posted her fourth double-double of the season against UNLV, and continues to direct the offense with 500 total assists (8.62 aps). She also has a team-best 15 service aces. Sophomore Reed Copeland has 71 total blocks (1.25 bps) so far this season, while junior Lily Austin has 179 digs (3.09 dps).

San Diego State will make its way to Laramie with three-straight victories. The Aztecs defeated Fresno State in four before sweeping San Jose State last weekend. Sophomore outside hitter Alexandra Psoma has 225 kills on the season (3.26 kps), as sophomore setter Indigo Thompson has dished out 453 assists (9.06 aps). Senior defensive specialist Danielle Bolden is leading the team with 175 digs (2.57 dps), while also holding a team-high 23 service aces. Sophomore middle blocker Deja Harris is the lone Aztec to earn MW Offensive Player of the Week honors. She was awarded the honor on Sept. 19. SDSU was picked to finish fifth in the MW Preseason Poll.

Nevada holds a 13-4 overall mark and 4-1 record in MW after it has won its last four matches. The Wolf Pack swept San Jose State before claiming victory over Fresno State in five last weekend. Senior outside hitter Madison Morell leads the team with 279 kills (4.16 kps), while senior setter Lyndsey Anderson boasts an average of 10.06 assists per set. She has 674 total on the season. Junior outside hitter Madison Foley has 158 digs (2.36 dps), as senior defensive specialist Madison Thorpe is close behind with 156 (2.33 dps). Nevada was picked to finish seventh in the MW Preseason Poll.

Wyoming has played Nevada only ten times in the all-time series. UW has come up on top in nine of those matches and has never lost at home against the Wolf Pack. Additionally, The Aztecs hold a 35-15 all-time lead while competing against UW, but Wyoming has won five of the last six matches.

Thursday’s match is faculty and staff appreciation night, as Saturday is Dig for the Cure match. Fans will be able to bid on match-worn jerseys while the Cowgirls play the Wolf Pack. All proceeds from the auction will go to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s Cancer Clinic.