ALAMOSA, Colo. - The Adams State Women's Volleyball team returns home for week two of conference play this weekend, opening up against UC Colorado-Springs on Friday at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Saturday night contest against #25 Colorado School of Mines beginning at 7:00 p.m.
 
Keeping Up with ASU Volleyball:
The Grizzlies (4-7, 0-2 RMAC) look for redemption after falling to RMAC competitors Chadron State and MSU Denver in week one of conference play. Adams State leans on a solid defensive front, ranking top 5 in the RMAC in blocks. Shannon Mulkey and Mackenzie Swanson are big names on the Grizzly defense. Mulkey leads the Grizzlies with 33 of the teams 63 blocks, and Swanson with 117 of the teams 488. 
 
About UC Colorado Springs:
The Mountain Lions come to Alamosa looking for their first conference road win after beating Colorado Christian at home 3-2. UCCS comes in at 3-7 on the season and 1-1 in the RMAC. Taylor Smith and Lauryn Shockley look to set an offensive statement early in the matchup, leading the team in kills. True freshman, Emily Ettel ranks in the top 5 in the RMAC in assists.
 
Last Meeting:
The last meeting of these RMAC foes was away in Colorado Springs last season. The matchup began in UC Colo Springs favor, winning the first two sets with comfortable leads. The Grizzlies began the third set on a good note with an early kill from Swanson. Adams State lead kept growing for a comfortable 25-18 set win to keep the Grizzlies in contention. Adams State kept the streak going, winning the fourth set, but fell short by only three points in the fifth. The Mountain Lions and Grizzlies are on an even playing field historically, each with eight wins going head-to-head. 
 
About Colorado School of Mines:
The nationally ranked Orediggers come to Alamosa 8-2 overall and 1-1 in the RMAC. They lead the RMAC in hitting percentage, assists, and kills, making them the clear favorite of Saturday night's matchup. Leading the Orediggers on both sides of the ball is senior, Abby Tiesman, with 134 kills and 37 blocks. Adding to the Orediggers attack is Amanda Donias with 88 kills. Elle Duis is one to watch leading Colorado School of Mines defense with 134 digs. 
 
Last Meeting:
The last time these two foes faced off was in Golden, Colo., where the Orediggers escaped with the win in three very close sets. Adams State kept the Orediggers to a two-to-three point margin in the three sets. Historically, Colorado School of Mines leads Adams State 12-4. Adams State got their last win against the Orediggers in Golden, Colo. back in 2013.
 
Upcoming:
The Grizzlies will remain at home next weekend to take on Dixie State and Westminster College.