SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University volleyball team will finally get to enjoy some matches on their home floor this week as they will open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play against a trio of opponents.

No. 16 Colorado School of Mines is first up on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by another 7 p.m. match against Colorado Christian on Friday. To close the weekend, the Lady Mustangs will face Regis on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Orediggers hold a 7-1 mark with some solid wins against Texas Woman's (3-1), Arkansas-Fort Smith (3-1) and Dallas Baptist (3-0). They have won four straight and are powered by Alanna Winfield who has gone for 116 kills, along with 20 blocks. Both totals lead the team. RMAC Preseason Setter of the Year Danielle Johnson-Hazlewood sets the table for the Orediggers having collected 362 assists. Colorado Mines claimed both matches last year against WNMU, with the first going five sets in Golden and the other rematch taking place in regional action in Texas where the Orediggers claimed a 3-0 win.

The next night on Friday the Cougars will be in town. Colorado Christian is 6-3 on the season having won three straight in Florida against Clark Atlanta (3-0), Lynn (3-1) and Nova Southeastern (3-0). They will play at Fort Lewis in Durango on Thursday before traveling to Silver City. RMAC Preseason Player of the Year Taylor Sturms has 108 kills, along with 142 digs and seven blocks. She leads the team in both kills and digs. Kaylee Pierce has added 20 blocks, while Ali Weber has 16 blocks and 84 kills.

Regis will close the weekend on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers are 5-3 and collected a pair of wins at the Colorado Premier against Colorado Mesa (3-2) and Florida Southern (3-0). They will face Colorado Mesa on Thursday and Fort Lewis on Friday before venturing to Silver City. Caitie Breaux leads the offense with 111 kills, followed by 94 from Maggie Steward. Rebecca Sponcil has 344 assists, while on defense, RMAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Maya Kirkeby leads the team in digs with 138. Samantha Mangseth has 27 blocks to lead the squad.

WNMU (3-4) is coming off of a split this past weekend having defeated William Jessup (3-0), but falling to Arizona Christian (2-3). Junior Leeta Grap (Kamuela, HI/Hawaii Preparatory Academy) leads the team in kills (64) and digs (76). Freshman Heather Verrill (Barstow, CA/Barstow ) has added 56 kills and leads the team in blocks with 28. Freshman Kylie Fraga (Kennewick, WA/Southridge) has dished out 164 assists. Two other Lady Mustangs also have at least 20 blocks with senior Lauren Buseman (Eagar, AZ/Round Valley) with 24 and sophomore Shannon Rich (Folsom, CA/Folsom) with 20.

Live stats and video will be available for all three matches.