WC Missouri News

Central Missouri Jennies volleyball team, currently ranked 24th in the AVCA national poll, will continue its Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) schedule with three matches this week. The Jennies (11-3 overall, 3-1 MIAA) are set to host Missouri Southern Lions on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m. in Warrensburg, Missouri, during Cancer Awareness Night at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.

Following the home match, Central Missouri will travel to Pittsburg, Kansas, to face the Pittsburg State Gorillas on Friday, October 10, at 5:00 p.m. in John Lance Arena. The week concludes with another home match against Newman Jets on Saturday, October 11, for Mental Health Awareness Night, with first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

All three contests will be broadcast on a pay-per-view basis via the MIAA Network.

The Jennies recently swept the MIAA Volleyball Athlete of the Week awards for week five. Rachel Ziesman was named Offensive Player of the Week, Kaelyn McDonald earned Defensive Athlete of the Week honors, and Kayla Baer received Setter of the Week recognition.

Central Missouri went undefeated last week, securing a five-set win over Rockhurst and two 3-1 victories against Arkansas-Fort Smith and previously unbeaten No. 1 Central Oklahoma on the road. The victory against Central Oklahoma marked their first top-five road win since 2021.

The team returns 14 players from last season and has added six newcomers, including two transfers and four freshmen.

Historically, Central Missouri holds a strong record against its upcoming opponents. Against Missouri Southern, they have a 78-2-1 all-time record and remain unbeaten at home in Warrensburg against them. In their last meeting, Central Missouri won 3-1. Against Pittsburg State, UCM leads 72-7-1 all-time but lost their most recent matchup in Pittsburg last season. Versus Newman Jets, Central Missouri has won all 15 previous encounters.

Statistically, Central Missouri is averaging 16.8 digs, 13.9 kills, 12.8 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.5 service aces per set through 14 matches this season.

Senior Rachel Ziesman leads with 52 blocks and was recognized for her offensive performance last week after tallying 41 kills and contributing defensively as well. Kaelyn McDonald is second in blocks and earned defensive honors for her play last week. Kayla Baer leads with 540 assists this season and surpassed 1,000 career assists at UCM.

Emma Siron leads in points and service aces while Grace Winkelmann leads defensively with 254 digs this season; she also recently reached her 1,500th career dig.

The Jennies are one of six MIAA teams recognized in this week's AVCA poll alongside Nebraska Kearney (No. 2), Central Oklahoma (No. 4), Washburn (No. 9), with Missouri Western and Emporia State receiving votes.

Last year under head coach Caitlin Peterson, Central Missouri made its 37th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

The Jennies' next scheduled match is on Thursday, October 16, when they travel to Topeka for a top-25 matchup against No. 9 Washburn Ichabods.