Eutectics Force Four Sets at Greenville

GREENVILLE, ILL. - The Eutectic women's volleyball team travelled to Greenville, Ill., on Wednesday, to face off against the NCAA Division III Greenville University Panthers (7-5). After falling behind two sets to none, the Eutectics rallied to win the third set and force a fourth. But, ultimately, it was the Panthers who would emerge victorious with a 3-1 win.

Greenville kicked off the match with a couple of kills to go up 2-0 in the first set. The Eutectics battled hard, but, despite their efforts, could never quite make up the difference, dropping the set 25-23 to the home team.  

The Panthers carried that momentum into the second set, pulling ahead 8-2 before faltering with several errors in a row. An ace from UHSP's Olivia Abshire put the Euts within two points at 9-7, but Greenville quickly returned to form to extend the lead to 16-10, eventually get to set point after three consecutive kills, and finally claim the set at 25-19 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.

Facing a two-set deficit, UHSP regrouped and found their rhythm in the third set, pulling off a strong comeback to win 25-22. Setter Jenna Brinson put up assist after assist for strong attacks from the UHSP offense. The set was also marked by tighter defense from the Eutectics, including three block assists from Amber Loo and scrappy digs from the Eutectic back row.

Unfortunately for the Eutectics' momentum did not carry over into the fourth set. They struggled offensively, managing only nine points as Greenville stormed to a 25-9 victory before the UHSP team could find their footing.

Hannah Kynaston and Jenna Brinson led the Eutectics with nine kills and 28 assists, respectively. Brinson also finished with two service aces. Tera Schumacher had seven kills and was one of three Eutectics to reach double digits in digs (10) along with Macy Hendrix (13) and Amber Loo (10). Loo and Sumanpreet Kaur each racked up three block assists to go with their 13 combined kills.

The Eutectic record is now 3-14 as they head into their first American Midwest Conference (AMC) matches this weekend at home. On Friday, UHSP will take on Central Baptist College (Ark.)(0-5) at 6 p.m. in the UHSP competition gymnasium before hosting AMC newcomer Mission University (Mo.)(6-15) on Saturday at noon.