LARAMIE, Wyo. (August 22, 2019) – The defensive specialists look to be another standout position for the Cowgirls in 2019, aided by the return of Madi Fields, who has led the team in digs in all three of her seasons in the Brown and Gold. Fields has recorded at least 10 digs in 61 of the 86 matches she's played, and she enters her senior season with a shot at becoming Wyoming's career digs record holder.
 
"She just looks incredibly comfortable and confident, which you'd expect in a senior that's played that position for almost her entire career here," said head coach Chad Callihan. "She's just great about still asking questions, and she's constantly trying to improve even though she's been one of the best liberos probably in school history. Our younger players see that, and that also sets a good example for them. I'm really pleased with her as a passer and a defender."
 
Last season, she finished third in the Mountain West with 4.40 digs per set, with a career-high 31 digs coming against UNLV. Heading into 2019, she is the active leader in the league with 1,212 career digs. Despite her impressive numbers, she was edged by Fresno State's Reagan Leonard for a spot on the preseason all-MW team. However, Fields isn't one to look for individual awards.
 
"I don't think Madi worries too much about that stuff, I hope she doesn't," Callihan said. "She's a team-first type of kid. If she gets some of those accolades, that's great. I think it would have meant more to her as a freshman, but I think she gets it now. If she had to choose between an NCAA Tournament appearance or being All-Mountain West, I think she'd choose the former. That's the type of kid she is."
 
The best thing for the defensive specialist group this season, is despite having an player like Fields, they don't have to rely on her. There are a pair of Cowgirls that are capable of coming in to any match and making a strong impact. Callihan says senior Kiahlei Yaste and freshman Erika Jones will both see some time on the court this season.
 
"I'm excited about the depth we have there, as well," Callihan said. "I think being able to make some defensive substitutions throughout a match are going to be pretty key for us throughout the season. I think both of them are just really solid players that are going to see the court for us at some different times."
 
Yaste spent two seasons at Sheridan College before joining the Cowgirls in 2018. She appeared in 13 matches for UW, including two starts, and recorded 29 digs with an average of 1.12 digs per set. Jones, a native of Fort Collins, Colo., comes to Wyoming after a stellar prep career at Fort Collins High School. She was a four-year letterwinner and earned first-team all-conference honors as a senior.
 
"I'm just really excited," Fields said. "All three girls in our position group are just relentless to keep the ball off the floor, and we have a lot of good touch. Chad (Callihan) has said multiple times that we're a great passing team this year, and that's something I think we've struggled with in the past. I'm excited about our ball control as a team and our defensive effort."
 
Cowgirl fans will get their first look at the outside hitters and the rest of the 2019 team at the Brown & Gold Scrimmage on Friday, August 23, in the UniWyo Sports Complex at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Then, on Saturday, August 24, the Cowgirls will face Nebraska-Kearney in an exhibition match at Cheyenne East High School at 6:30 p.m.
 
Season tickets are available for Cowgirl volleyball, starting at $65 for public general admission and $35 for children between the ages of 3-12. Single-match tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for children. Fans can contact the Wyoming ticket office at (307) 7660-7220 or by visiting the ticket office in the Arena-Auditorium Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.