Jennies grab first and second wins of 2006

            The 10th ranked Central Missouri State Jennies rolled to a couple victories Friday night in the Central Missouri Challenge over Avila University 3-0 (30-23, 30-21, 30-16) and Pittsburg State in a non-conference bout, 3-1 (27-30, 30-19, 30-17, 30-17).
            The Jens (2-1) held Avila to only a .091 hitting percentage, forcing them into 40 total errors. CMSU was solid on defense with 68 digs and 10 total blocks. Senior libero Katie Tarka led the way with 23 digs while freshman setter Caitlin Pankratz took over the reigns on offense with 28 assists.
            Against Pittsburg State, it took the Jens a while to warm up as they dropped the first game 30-27 before demolishing the Gorillas in the next three frames. It all seemed to come together at once for the Jens, hitting .256 in game two, .271 in the third outing and an outstanding .400 in the final frame. Sophomore outside hitter Brooke Butler led the way on offense with a career-high 23 kills and a .435 hitting percentage. Junior Jillian Ohrman also joined the fun with 12 kills on the night. Tarka led three Jennies with over 20 digs in the game at 25. Ashlei Jandrey and Audrey Jensen had 21 and 20, respectively. Pankratz put up 45 assists in the outing. Not to be outdone, Jacquelyn Williams added nine blocks.