Las Vegas, N.M. - The Colorado State University Pueblo volleyball team will close out its extended seven-match road swing this Saturday evening when the ThunderWolves travel south to take on New Mexico Highlands at 7:00 p.m. inside the John A. Wilson Complex.
The ThunderWolves (15–7 overall, 7–3 RMAC) enter the matchup sitting in fourth place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings and are looking to extend their win streak after a dominant weekend in Denver. Under first-year head coach and CSU Pueblo alum Jordan Bruere, the Pack have reestablished themselves as one of the most balanced and defensively dominant programs in the league — and they'll aim to keep that momentum rolling as the regular season enters its home stretch.
Last weekend, the ThunderWolves swept through RMAC Power Pod Play with convincing victories over Colorado Christian (3–1) and Regis (3–0), snapping a brief three-match skid and returning to top form. Over those two matches, the Pack hit .268 as a team, held their opponents to just .108 hitting, out-blocked them 14–8, and delivered 19 service aces — an emphatic display of their all-around depth and efficiency.
Pack Among the RMAC's Best
Statistically, CSU Pueblo remains one of the most complete teams in the conference. The Pack rank sixth in the RMAC in points per set (16.51), fourth in hitting percentage (.233), and continue to lead the league in blocks per set (2.74). The team's defensive consistency has also been a cornerstone of its success, with opponents hitting just .187 against them — one of the lowest marks in the league.
Senior outside hitter Caelyn Gunn continues to lead the charge for the ThunderWolves' offense, ranking second in the RMAC in kills per set (3.99) and second in points per set (4.35). Gunn has been the Pack's most consistent scoring option all season, tallying double-digit kills in 17 of 22 matches while providing reliable serve-receive play and leadership in six-rotation duty.
At the net, CSU Pueblo boasts two of the top three blockers in the RMAC. Junior middle hitter Finja Schul ranks second in the conference in blocks per set (1.07), while senior middle hitter Golden Finch sits close behind in third at 1.06. Together, they anchor a front line that has become one of the most feared in the region, averaging nearly three blocks per set as a unit. Both Schul and Finch have also been among the league's most efficient hitters, each hitting above .300 on the season and combining for over 220 kills.
Junior setter Elena Stankovic continues to direct the ThunderWolves' attack with precision, ranking second in the RMAC in assists per set (9.38) while adding 34 aces, 178 digs, and 32 total blocks this season. Her all-around play and poise have been instrumental in maintaining CSU Pueblo's offensive rhythm and balance.
Defensively, senior libero Megan Mattingly has been the anchor of the back row, averaging 3.79 digs per set, while junior defensive specialist Chinaru Inoue continues to make her mark with 2.61 digs per set and 17 service aces. Together, they have helped the Pack post 16.26 digs per set — a mark that ranks among the RMAC's upper tier and reflects the team's disciplined floor coverage.
Scouting New Mexico Highlands (12–12, 4–6 RMAC)
New Mexico Highlands enters Saturday's matchup looking to climb into the RMAC Tournament picture, currently sitting in 10th place in the league standings. The Cowgirls have been competitive throughout the fall, recently winning three of their last four matches and showing improved offensive consistency.
The Cowgirls are led by senior outside hitter Arianna Jamerson, who paces the team with 248 kills (2.73 per set). Alongside her, junior outside Aziza Morris provides another strong offensive weapon with 239 kills (2.65 per set) on .227 hitting. In the middle, Yuli Favela adds a balanced attack with 57 total blocks and 1.60 kills per set on a .250 hitting percentage.
Running the Highlands offense is setter Naya Dornic, who has tallied 397 assists (4.41 per set) while adding 107 digs and 15 aces, while Mikaela Dominguez complements her with 325 assists (4.13 per set) and 17 service aces in the Cowgirls' 6–2 system. Defensively, libero Becca Wiersema has been a standout with 363 digs (3.99 per set), anchoring a back row that averages 15.9 digs per frame.
Highlands averages 11.8 kills per set while hitting .178 as a team, and will rely on its home-court energy and aggressive serving to challenge a CSU Pueblo squad that has been among the RMAC's most efficient both at the net and behind the service line.
The Matchup
This weekend marks the first meeting of the 2025 season between the two programs. CSU Pueblo swept the Cowgirls in their lone matchup last year and has dominated the recent series. The Pack have won 11 of their last 14 matches overall. The Pack's ability to control the net and limit opponent efficiency has been a defining factor in those matchups, and they'll look to continue that trend Saturday night.
For the ThunderWolves, Saturday's contest represents both a test and an opportunity — a chance to cap their seven-match road swing with a statement win while tightening their grip on a top-four spot in the RMAC standings. With postseason positioning on the line and confidence surging after back-to-back victories, CSU Pueblo will aim to finish the road trip strong and carry that momentum back home to Massari Arena next week.
