AT A GLANCE
The No. 9 Texans will head to Denver, Colorado this weekend to take part in one of the nation's top invitational tournaments – the Colorado Premier Challenge. Twelve schools are set to compete in the two-day event, including eight nationally ranked teams. 
 
This will be Tarleton's second invitation to this illustrious tournament. Tarleton last visited Denver in 2017 and qualified for the gold bracket. The Texans will play #15 Southwest Minnesota State and host Metro State on Friday before knowing their bracket fate on Saturday.
 
THE GAMES
Friday, September 13th
12:00 p.m. — vs. #15 Southwest Minnesota State
3:30 p.m. — @ Metropolitan State
 
Saturday, September 14th
TBA — TBA, Colorado Premier Bracket
TBA — TBA, Colorado Premier Bracket
 
GAME COVERAGE
Live stats and video will be available for every game of the tournament. Both links can be found on the Tarleton Volleyball schedule page at TarletonSports.com.
 
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
After defeating two top-20 teams last weekend, Tarleton has moved up one spot to No. 9 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll to tie a team record for highest ranking in school history. The Texans opened the 2019 season ranked No. 10, marking the first time in program history that the Texans began a season ranked in the top 10. The Texans, who were picked as the preseason favorites in the Lone Star Conference, are the highest ranked LSC team in the AVCA poll this week. 
 
THE OPPONENT: SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE
The Texans and Mustangs have met only once before, at the 2017 Colorado Premier Challenge. SMSU defeated Tarleton in four sets, 3-1. The Mustangs enter the tournament ranked No. 15 in the nation and are 3-1 on the season.
 
THE OPPONENT: METROPOLITAN STATE
The Texans and Roadrunners last met in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. Metro State defeated Tarleton in four sets, 3-1. The all-time series is tied, 1-1. The Roadrunners enter this week receiving votes in the AVCA poll and are 4-0 on the season.
 
TWO TEXANS EARN LSC AWARDS WEEK ONE
Kayla Brannon and Sofia Tonga were named the LSC Defensive Player and Setter of the Week in the league's first awards with the addition of the new teams. This is Brannon's second career award and Tonga's first. 
 
Brannon stepped into the starting setter role for Tarleton and dished out 78 assists for Tarleton, averaging 5.2 assists per set. She recorded her first double-double of the season with 25 assists and 15 digs against #14 Rockhurst. Tonga averaged a block per set for the weekend with 15.0 blocks in 15 sets. She had a season-high five blocks against #19 Cal State-LA. 
 
UP NEXT FOR TARLETON
The Texans will return home to open LSC play when they take on St. Edwards on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. and St. Mary's on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wisdom Volleyball Gym. Tarleton State will celebrate Family Weekend throughout next weekend's events.