The WSU women’s volleyball team is back on the road this weekend to face off against No. 16 Utah and Colorado.

After defeating both Arizona and Arizona State last weekend at home, the Cougars (19-9, 9-7) seem to be improving with every match in order to stay competitive in the conference.

The Cougars, tied for sixth in the Pac-12 overall this season, currently hold first place in the Pac-12 for opponent hitting percentage at .157 and continues to be No. 1 in blocks at 3.39 bps.

Senior outside hitter Kyra Holt is currently sixth in the Pac-12 in kills at 3.77 kps and is seventh in service aces at 0.25 per set. Holt is also fourth in points per match in the conference at 4.42 pps.

Sophomore middle blockers Claire Martin and Taylor Mims are first and second in blocks at 1.53 and 1.52 bps, respectively.

Utah’s (19-8, 10-6) strength lies in its offense, ranking third in the Pac-12 for kills at 14.18 kps, second in service aces at 1.14 per set and third in assists at 13.41 aps.

Junior outside hitter/right side Adora Anae ranks No. 1 in kills at 4.70 kps and first in points per set at 5.30. Junior middle blocker Tawnee Luafalemana, the Utes’ most consistent defensive player, has an average of 1.06 bps.

Colorado (13-13, 5-11), currently ranked ninth in the Pac-12, is also strong defensively, ranking fourth in the Pac-12 for blocks at 2.50 bps.

Sophomore middle blocker Naghede Abu is currently fifth in blocks at 1.28 bps. Sophomore outside hitter Alexa Smith leads her team in kills at 3.25 kps and is followed by junior setter/opposite Gabby Simpson, who averages 2.47 kps. Colorado is ninth in rankings for conference play.

With only four matches left in the season, WSU is pushing to be considered for the NCAA Tournament in December. After their losing streak of four games, the Cougars came out of the locker room swinging against Arizona State and Arizona, proving that they are still in it for the long haul.

The Cougars look to redeem themselves this weekend. When faced against Colorado and Utah earlier this season, WSU fell short, losing 2-3 against both teams.

WSU will play Utah today at 5 p.m. in Salt Lake City and Colorado at 11 a.m. on Sunday in Boulder. Thursday’s match will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.

Reporting by Jesse Woodhead