WC Missouri News

The Central Missouri Jennies volleyball team secured two victories on the opening day of the Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown Classic in Allendale, Michigan. On Friday, Sept. 12, the Jennies defeated No. 13 Grand Valley State Lakers and the Hillsdale Chargers at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.

Central Missouri will wrap up their participation in the tournament on Saturday, Sept. 13, facing the Findlay Oilers at 10:00 a.m. CST at the Davenport Student Center in Grand Rapids.

In their first match against Grand Valley State, Central Missouri won in straight sets (25-15, 25-20, 26-24). The team started strong with a 6-2 run and outperformed the Lakers offensively with a .342 hitting percentage compared to .182 for their opponents. Shay Koski and Rachel Ziesman each contributed 10 kills. Emma Siron recorded a career-high 15 digs and seven kills. Kaelyn McDonald led with two blocks while Maya Fergerson added six kills.

Libero Grace Winkelmann collected a match-high 15 digs, and Kayla Baer led all players with 37 assists along with seven digs and three kills.

In their second match against Hillsdale, Central Missouri recovered from losing the first set to win three consecutive sets (14-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22). Shaye Koski had a standout performance with a match-high 20 kills on 49 swings as well as six digs and four blocks. After an even score late in the fourth set, Central Missouri finished strong on a decisive run highlighted by contributions from Ziesman and Siron.

Setter Kayla Baer achieved her first double-double of the season with 51 assists and 12 digs. Kaelyn McDonald posted nine kills and five blocks while Grace Wagers added six kills and two blocks.

Three Jennies players reached double digits in digs during this match: Grace Winkelmann led with 21 digs; Brenna Kelly had eight; Kirsten Harper contributed seven.