Eutectics Finish Day 2 of Clarke Invite in Iowa, Schumacher Named to All-Tourney Team

DUBUQUE, IOWA – The Eutectic women's volleyball team finished off its first tournament of the season on Saturday, with two NAIA matches at the Clarke Invite. Coming off two losses in their first outing of the season on Friday, the Eutectics faced host Clarke University and Mount Marty University (S.D.), falling to both in straight sets. Following the tournament, Clarke released the All-Tournament Team list, which included UHSP setter Tera Schumacher among seven selected for the honor.   

The Clarke Pride, who were coming off a 3-2 win over Briar Cliff University on Friday, used their momentum to derail the Eutectics in the Eutectics' first match of the day. The Eutectics, whose starting lineup included four newcomers to the team, struggled with consistency against the Pride, ultimately falling 25-16, 25-15, 25-11. Newcomer Tera Schumacher led the Eutectics on offense with seven kills, while also adding in 10 digs, a block assist, and a service ace. Schumacher and veteran Jenna Brinson shared 17 of the team's 19 assists, while returner Macy Hendrix racked up 15 digs. Freshman Olivia Abshire knocked down two aces and returner Sumanpreet Kaur notched three block assists in the match.

For their final matchup of the tournament, the Eutectics faced the Mount Marty University Lancers for the first time in history. The Lancers proved to be just as tough an opponent as the Pride, taking down the UHSP team with scores of 25-13, 25-19, 25-11.  Schumacher, again, led the Purple and Gold with nine kills with no errors on 23 attack attempts for a kill percentage of .391. Kaur picked up one solo and two block assists, while Brinson tallied 12 assists and newcomer AnnMarie Cates defended Lancer attacks with 11 digs.

After the first weekend of play, the Eutectics are averaging 7.58 kills per set, 14.42 digs per set, and 1.42 blocks per set through four matches. All-Tournament team-member Tera Schumacher finished the weekend averaging 2.20 kills per set, 2.90 assists per set, and 2.30 digs per set. 

Now 0-4 for the season so far, the Eutectics will look for their first win of 2024 at the Brescia Classic in Owensboro, Ky., next Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-31.