Pomeroys Disappoint Euts in Home Opener

Just like last season, the Eutectic women's volleyball team hosted the St. Mary of the Woods College Pomeroys (Ind.) for the UHSP season-opener on Tuesday. And, in a repeat of last season's home opener, the undefeated Pomeroys (now 10-0) disappointed the Eutectics, defeating UHSP in straight sets at 25-20, 25-12, 25-11 for the 6 p.m. varsity match.

The varsity reserve teams played a "best-of-three" match at 4 p.m. with the Pomeroys earning a close 2-1 victory over the Euts.

The Eutectics got behind early in the first set of the varsity match, but were able to claw their way back into contention after four-straight attacking errors culminating with a block by Sophia Michaud and Sierra Aplanalp made it 8-7 - Pomeroys. More SMWC errors helped the Euts tie the match two more times at 12 and 16. Ultimately, though, the Pomeroys never allowed the Eutectics the lead and scraped together five more points than the home team to win the set at 25-20.

Amber Loo's service started off a three-point rally in the second set, including an ace, to get the Purple and Gold a 3-0 lead. The Euts held onto that lead until the Pomeroys went on a six-point scoring run to take the lead for good at 9-6. The run knocked the wind out of the home team sails and invigorated the visitors, who allowed only six more points from UHSP before closing out the set at 25-12.

Down 2-0 in the match, the Eutectics struggled to find their footing in Set 3, falling behind early at 9-2. The scrappy Pomeroy defense continued to dig up attacks from the Eutectic hitters and set up kills for their own hitters. SMWC also notched four aces and four blocks in the final set, eventually winning the match with a 25-11 third set.

Sophia Michaud led the Eutectic offense with eight kills; Macy Hendrix picked up 11 digs and two aces; Jenna Brinson collected 10 assists.

The loss puts the Eutectic record so far this season at 2-7.  

After two weekend tournaments, the Euts will take a break from competition this weekend, returning to the UHSP gymnasium for their next match on Tuesday, Sept. 10, when they host cross-town NCAA III rival Webster University at 6 p.m.