Euts Fall in Straight Sets at Beaver Home Opener

The Eutectic women's volleyball team traveled to Carlinville, Ill., on Wednesday, to take on the Blackburn College Beavers for their home opener. The Beavers won in straight sets, finishing all three with a score of 25-17.

The Beavers took a quick lead right out of the gate, winning the first five points of the night. A kill by Hannah Burch along with blocks by Darlene Zediker and Sumanpreet Kaur helped the Eutectics go on a 6-3 scoring run to come within three points at 13-10. But, that was as close as they would come in the first set.

The Euts turned the tables at the start of the second set, going up 5-1 led by Darlene Zediker's three kills. The Beavers began their chase, catching up at 10-10 after two aces from Kenadee Frey. After extending their lead to 17-14, the home team won the last five points in a row to close out the second set.

The teams traded points to start the third set, but after a five-point streak, the Beavers took a 13-8 lead. Several Eutectic errors allowed another five points in a row for the home team to get up 18-10. The Eutectics were able to close the gap to 22-17, but Blackburn won the final three points in a row to win the set and secure the match.

One highlight for the night was Eutectics blocking. The UHSP team outblocked BC 6-2, led by Middles Darlene Zediker and Sumanpreet Kaur who notched three blocks apiece. The two also led the Eutectic offense, recording seven and six kills, hitting at .267 and .313 respectively. Setter Jenna Brinson put up 18 assists in the match. Brinson and Kira Cid each collected two service aces, while Cid and Macy Hendrix had five digs each.

Cara Pence led the Beavers with eight of Blackburn's 42 kills. Setter Tessa Funderburk recorded 32 assists, Tam Nguyen logged seven digs, and Jessica Muckensturm and Kenadee Frey each had three aces.  

Still looking for their first win of the season, the Eutectics will hit the road again tomorrow when they play cross-town rivals Webster University at 7 p.m.