Euts Can’t Catch the Stars

(Photo courtesy of Linda Mueller)

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Eutectic women's volleyball team played host to the Stephens College Stars (Mo.)(10-14, 5-1) on Tuesday night in the UHSP gymnasium for an American Midwest Conference (AMC) contest. The Stars got the better of the Euts, winning in straight sets at 25-15, 25-14, 25-20.

The Stars took a slight lead in the first set and continued to build on it as play progressed. Up 13-9, the Visitors scored four points in a row, to extend their lead to eight points as the Eutectics struggled against their aggressive offense. The Stars finished off the first set with a six-point scoring run, notching four kills and a service ace on Jatnna Pena-Perez' serve to claim the set at 25-14.

Bolstered by their first-set win, the Stephens team rattled off nine points in a row to start off the second set at 10-2. Though they put forth the effort, the deficit proved too much for the Eutectics to overcome, eventually falling 25-14 to head into the third set down 2-0.

The start of Set 3 looked to be a repeat of the second set, as the Stars took an 8-2 lead. The Eutectics were down 16-8 when they made a four-point run, including a double block by Sophia Michaud and Hannah Kyanston, to get back in the game. before the Eutectics came alive. After two kills from Sumanpreet Kaur set up by Jenna Brinson, the Purple and Gold were within three points of the Stars at 20-17. Despite battling for every point, the Eutectics could not close that final gap to catch the Stars, eventually falling 25-20 in the set, and allowing a 3-0 match victory for Stephens.

Hannah Kynaston led the Eutectics on offense, hitting at .292 for nine total kills. Jenna Brinson added 19 assists to her career total, while Macy Hendrix racked up 20 digs and Hannah Duggan recorded two service aces.

After seven AMC matchups so far, the Eutectics, now 3-26, have four more chances to earn a first Conference win this season. On Thursday, they will continue with Conference competition, hosting Columbia College (Mo.)(17-10, 6-0) at 6 p.m. Following the match, seniors Amber Loo and Macy Hendrix will be celebrated for their contributions throughout their four seasons on the UHSP team.