(Kansas City, Mo.) – Central Missouri senior setter Julia Bates was named MIAA Specialist of the Week, after helping lead the Jennies to a 4-0 record at the season opening Hilltopper-Rattler Classic, according to a press release.

Bates averaged 12.08 assists per set to go along with 2.17 digs per set as the No. 8 ranked Jennies started the season 4-0. She had 145 assists on the weekend to move into seventh all-time at UCM with 4,145 assists. She also had 16 kills and seven service aces on the weekend. In the win over Minnesota-Crookston she had 42 assists, nine digs, two service aces and two kills. In the win over 23rd-ranked Adams State she had 28 assists, five kills, three digs and two aces as the Jens swept all four matches on the weekend. The 6-0 senior setter is from Leavenworth, Kan. where she competed at Lansing High School.

Bates was the MVP of the Hilltopper-Rattler Classic All-Tournament Team. In addition to Bates, Annie Reilly, Carly Sojka, and Haley Thompson were also named to the All-Tournament Team.