MARYVILLE, Mo. – The (receiving votes) Central Missouri Jennies (13-9, 5-2 MIAA) fell to No. 5 Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (21-1, 8-0 MIAA) in straight sets (17-25, 22-25, 21-25), on Friday, Oct. 16, during the opening match of the 2026 MIAA In-Season Tournament, hosted by Northwest Missouri, inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville.
After dropping the opening set, the Jens responded with a 4-1 run to open play in the second, capped off with block assists from
Kaelyn McDonald (eight kills and five digs overall) and
Chloe Rauner (team-high 20 assists and five digs overall), before UNK regained the lead.
Central Missouri fought their way back to within two points with an 8-3 run, highlighted by a service ace from junior
Brenna Kelly (three digs and two aces overall), followed by a kill from Stilwell, Kan. native
Grace Wagers (eight kills and three digs overall), but the comeback fell short as the Lopers doubled their advantage.
With a tied score at 18 in the third, the Jens took the lead with a kill from Parkville, Mo. native
Shaye Koski (six kills and four digs overall), but Nebraska-Kearney answered with a 4-0 run and never relinquished as they earned their 21
st victory of the year.
Libero
Ragin Corwin paced Central Missouri defensively in the back row with 22 digs, adding a career-high three service aces, while Andover, Kan. native
Bella Holcomb (16 assists) and senior
Kirsten Harper collected six digs each.
Outside hitter
Maya Fergerson was the lone Jen to reach double-figure kills with 11 on 27 swings, good enough for a .296 hitting percentage, adding a pair of digs, plus sophomore
Bria Dawson ended the match with four kills, a career-high three digs, and a team-best two blocks.
Central Missouri concludes the 2026 MIAA In-Season Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 17, as they take on the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (7-10, 4-3 MIAA), with first serve beginning at 5:00 p.m., inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville.
