COLORADO PREMIER CHALLENGE:
Match 1 vs. #10 Regis University – Friday, Aug. 31 at 12:00 p.m. CT
Match 2 vs Angelo State University – Friday Aug. 31, at 3:30 p.m. CT
ADDITIONAL MATCHES BASED ON DAY ONE RESULTS
 
PARTICIPANTS
(RV) Angelo State University: 4-0
Colorado Christian University: 1-3
#14 University of Central Missouri: 4-0
#21 Missouri Western State University: 4-0
#2 Concordia University, St. Paul: 3-1, 2017 National Champions
(RV) Saint Leo University: 2-2
(RV) Metropolitan State University of Denver: 2-2
#3 Lewis University: 4-0
#10 Regis University: 2-2, 2017 Regional Champions
#8 Southwest Minnesota State University: 2-2
Texas A&M University – Commerce: 3-1
#13 University of West Florida: 2-2, 2017 Regional Runner-Up
 
ST. JOSEPH – After an impressive 4-0 weekend to open the 2018 season, No. 21 Griffon Volleyball will look to continue its success as the team travels to the Colorado Premier Challenge in Denver this weekend.
 
The Griffons will be coming off of an undefeated weekend at the UIS Capital Classic in Springfield, Illinois. On the first day of the event, the Griffons swept both Cedarville and McKendree. The Griffons hit .411 as a team. Sam Duncan recorded 22 kills and Audrey Keim posted 38 digs as the starting libero in the first two matches of the season.
 
The second day resulted in two more sweeps for the Griffons. The Griffons' closest match came against Illinois Springfield. Missouri Western held off late runs by the Prairie Stars to complete the 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 sweep. Last on the weekend's schedule was Walsh University. The Griffons continued their impressive play and swept the Cavaliers to finish the weekend undefeated.
 
The Colorado Premier Challenge is known for being one of the most prestigious volleyball events of the early season. Missouri Western will face off against the hosting Regis University Rangers in its opening match. The Rangers are ranked No. 7 in Division II and are coming off an NCAA South Central Regional Championship in 2017.
 
Four of the 12 teams in this weekend's field were ranked in the AVCA Preseason top-10. Two others were inside the top-22. Ten of the 12 were either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason top-25 poll. The field features defending national champion and preseason No. 1 Concordia-St. Paul. The Golden Bears ended the Griffons' season in 2017 en route to their ninth national championship. The pool-style play tournament will leave the Griffons not knowing their Saturday opponents until after Friday's matches are completed.
 
MWSU is in a pool with Regis and Angelo State. Regardless of how Friday plays out, Missouri Western will play a team from a pool consisting of No. 2 Southwest Minnesota State, Saint Leo and Colorado Christian in its first game on Saturday.