Colorado State volleyball moves to No. 8; Kelsey Snider honored by MW

FORT COLLINS — Colorado State’s volleyball team had a successful week, and senior middle blocker Kelsey Snider was a big reason why. Monday, both were recognized for their successes as the team moved to No. 8 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, while the Mountain West named Snider the player of the week.

The Rams jumped six spots this week, keyed by Friday’s four-set victory over then No. 9 BYU to start the UTEP/New Mexico State Invitational. Sweeps of the two host schools followed, sending CSU to its highest point in the poll since November of 2004. It marks the second time in program history the team has reached the top 10 in back-to-back seasons, spending five weeks in the top 10 in 2013, but peaking at No. 9.

The Rams, now 9-1 on the season, head back on the road this weekend for the Residence Inn Challenge in Tempe, Ariz. Their first match is against No. 18 Arizona State on Friday, the host team, which slipped three spots in the rankings. Saturday, Colorado State plays Pepperdine and North Carolina Central.

Snider played a big role in all four wins, averaging 3.38 kills per set while hitting at a .383 clip. She added three service aces and eight total blocks during the week. An all-Mountain West selection last year, this is her first weekly honor from the conference.

Snider leads the team with 100 kills this year, coming on a .411 attack percentage. She also paces the Rams with 34 blocks, an average of 1.10 per set.