Warrensburg, Mo. (Sept. 21, 1999) -- Central Missouri State University's women's soccer team has reached its highest regional ranking ever, as the Jennies are seventh in this week's Central Region ratings by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Last year the Jennies were ranked as high as eighth, marking the first time they had ever been regionally ranked in their brief history.

Coach Al Iantorno's squad will play three straight contests away from home this week, as they try to improve on their 5-2-0 season record. On Wednesday the Jennies travel to Marshall to face NAIA-foe Missouri Valley College at 4 p.m. This weekend the Jennies will be in Kirksville, Mo., for the Truman State University Classic, where they will take on two opponents from the North Central Conference. On Saturday the Jennies meet St. Cloud State University and on Sunday they face the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Both matches are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Next Wednesday the Jennies meet Rockhurst University in a 6 p.m. contest at CMSU's Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field. The Jennies are 2-0 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association matches, but don't play another MIAA opponent until Oct. 3, when they entertain Northwest Missouri State University.

The Jennies have outscored their opponents 16-5 in their seven outings. Senior Amy Krumm and junior Sabrina Sanders share the team scoring lead with four goals each. Sanders tallied the match's only goal last Saturday in the 113^th minute, as CMSU edged Winona State University 1-0 in double overtime. Sophomore keeper Carrie Payne notched her second complete-game shutout of the season and the 13^th of her career.