CSI Falls to Arizona Western in Five Sets
Colorado Springs CSI volleyball, ranked 9th nationally, lost a five-set Rocky Mountain District Championship match and awaits its NJCAA at-large bid decision.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Volleyball
CSI volleyball lost to Arizona Western 23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 13-15 in the Rocky Mountain District Championship in Yuma, Ariz. Arizona Western entered the match with a 27-0 record, and CSI finished its season at 22-8.
Why it matters
The loss ends CSI's district run, leaving its postseason future to the NJCAA Selection Show on Wednesday, which will decide whether the team receives an at-large bid to the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Vivian Goto led CSI with 15 kills and 15 digs, while Emerson Heatwole posted a game-high 32 digs and Dalayni Bridnley recorded 28 assists and 11 digs. CSI's at-large chances depend on the Selection Show, which has not yet been held.
The players
Arizona Western
Arizona Western is a community college in Yuma, Arizona, whose volleyball team entered the district final with an undefeated 27-0 record.
NJCAA
The National Junior College Athletic Association is the governing body that runs college volleyball's national tournament for two-year schools, including the selection process for at-large bids.
The details
All three sets CSI lost were decided by two points. With the fifth set tied 13-13, a coach's challenge awarded the point and side-out to Arizona Western, and a CSI block attempt then landed out of bounds to clinch the match.
Timeline
Nov. 9: CSI lost to Arizona Western in the Rocky Mountain District Championship.
Nov. 11: The NJCAA Selection Show will decide CSI's at-large bid.
Season Trajectory
CSI's 22-8 record and national ranking leave its postseason hopes tied to the NJCAA's at-large selection process rather than a district title. The Selection Show on Wednesday will determine whether the team advances to the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
If CSI earns an at-large bid, the team advances to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, and fans can follow the postseason run. If it does not, the team's season ends with its 22-8 record.
The takeaway
CSI's season shows that a strong record and national ranking can still depend on a selection committee rather than a single district result. Readers following the team should watch the Wednesday Selection Show for the final word on its postseason.
What happens next
The NJCAA Selection Show on Wednesday, Nov. 11, will determine whether CSI receives an at-large bid to the National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Further reading
For more on college volleyball across the state, see Volleyball.
