WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The University of Central Missouri Jennies scored a 3-0 sweep of the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad on Saturday night.

UCM won by set scores of 25-16, 26-24 and 25-11. The Bearcats remain only one game out of the No. 8 spot for the 2025 MIAA Tournament with two matches remaining.

The Jennies moved to 18-7 overall and 9-5 in MIAA play. Northwest fell to 9-14 overall and 3-11 in league action. UCM recorded 46 kills to the Bearcats' 29 in the conference matchup.  

The first set began with UCM taking an early lead at 3-0, before the Bearcats responded. Gabrielle Gartner secured a kill to put the visitors on the board, followed by a block from Kate Frakes and Kasidy Mohwinkle to narrow the gap to 3-2. Despite efforts from Northwest, including a kill by Abby Bulthuis and another by Mohwinkle, UCM maintained its advantage.

As the set progressed, Northwest continued to press, with kills from Natalie Herrington and Frakes contributing to their score. However, UCM extended its lead with a series of points, including service aces and kills. The set concluded with UCM holding a 25-16 advantage, despite a late push from the Bearcats that included a kill by Frakes and an attack error from the opposition.

UCM started the second set with an attack error, allowing the Bearcats to take an early lead. Northwest capitalized on UCM's errors, with key plays including a block by Mohwinkle and a kill by Frakes, bringing the score to 3-1. However, UCM quickly responded, tying the score at multiple points, including 3-3 and 4-4.

Midway through the set, UCM surged ahead with a series of successful plays, including a service ace that extended its lead to 12-8. Despite a series of kills from Maja Noehrer and Gartner, Northwest faced a 19-8 deficit. Nonetheless, the Bearcats rallied with a series of scoring plays, closing the gap to 23-22 with contributions from Mohwinkle and a service ace from Elle Heckenlively.

In a dramatic finish, Northwest tied the score at 24-24. However, UCM managed to secure the final two points, ending the set with a narrow 26-24 victory.

Northwest began the third set with a kill from Frakes, tying the score at 1-1. However, UCM quickly responded with a series of successful plays, including kills from Emma Siron and Kaelyn McDonald, to gain a 10-4 lead. Despite efforts from Northwest, including a service ace by Frakes that momentarily halted UCM's momentum, the hosts maintained their advantage.

Northwest managed to cut into the lead with kills by Gartner and Mohwinkle, bringing the score to 18-10. Yet, UCM capitalized on attack errors by Northwest, further extending its lead. The set concluded with UCM securing the set 25-11, closing out the period with a kill by McDonald.

Frakes led the offensive effort with seven kills on 12 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .500 and adding a service ace. Ella Caffery contributed significantly with 22 assists and collected 10 digs. Mohwinkle added five kills and three total blocks, finishing with seven points. Karsen VanScoy recorded 10 digs and added a service ace.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. The match will take place in Kearney, Neb.