In a match that was close throughout, Central Missouri survived a five-game match against conference rival Pittsburg State to advance to the NCAA Division II Volleyball South Central Regional Finals. The Jennies won by scores 27-30, 30-26, 29-31, 31-29, 15-13.
The deciding game saw the momentum switch back and forth after several runs by both teams. With the score tied at 13, Central Missouri recorded a block and then a kill by Becky Haug to win the match. For the match, the Jennies hit .232, had 90 kills, 109 digs and 14 blocks while the Gorillas recorded a .203 hitting percentage, 78 kills, 117 digs and 11 blocks.
Central Missouri had three players with 20 or more kills, led by Carrie Potthast with 24. Trudy Carter chipped in with 22 kills and Elyse Mohme had 20. Kaci Young recorded 74 assists and Katie Traka led the team with 31 digs.
Pittsburg State was led by Dina Wathan who had 24 kills and 22 digs. Gloria Ilariogun had 17 kills, Chrissy Elder led the team with 58 assists and 24 digs and Katie Smith had a team-high five blocks.
Central Missouri will play in the South Central regional finals on Saturday at 7 p.m. against the winner of the North Alabama/Truman match. Pittsburg State, who was making its first trip to the NCAA tournament, saw its season end with a 26-8 record.