Volleyball

Kelly Plach Named NAIA Daktronics All-America Scholar-Athlete

Kelly Plach

Fourth-year student and starting middle blocker for the Eutectic volleyball team, Kelly Plach received NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete accolades for the fall semester. To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must compete on an intercollegiate team and maintain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average as a junior or above. This is Plach's second year receiving the award.

Eutectics Make STLCOP History
Kaitlyn LaBoube Breaks School Record

Kaitlyn LaBoube broke the STLCOP record for assists per set.  Photo by Lindsy Benedict

The Eutectic women's volleyball team made STLCOP history on Friday, Nov. 9, when it became the first STLCOP team ever to advance to the second round of the conference tournament. The eighth-ranked Euts defeated ninth-ranked Berea College in three sets in the first round of the tournament in Cincinnati. Setter Kaitlyn LaBoube dug up 10 attacks and put up 31 assists for the Euts. Thirteen of her assists were set for outside hitter Alyssa Hitpas, who led the team in kills. After the 25-15, 25-19, 25-14 win over the Berea Mountaineers, the Euts moved on to face undefeated Indiana University East. The Eutectics were unable to pull off an upset over the top-ranked Red Wolves in the second round, who would move on to become the conference champions.

LaBoube racked up 836 assists for the season, averaging 8.12 per set, which breaks the STLCOP record for single season assists per set, which was previously 7.43. She finished the season ranked fourth in the KIAC for assists per set and aces per set (0.5), as well as seventh for total assists and digs per set. Teammates Alyssa Hitpas, Mallory Mensing, and Kelly Plach also hold places in the KIAC top-ten for individual statistical categories: Hitpas is third for kills per set and eighth for digs per set; Mensing is third for digs per set and sixth for total digs; and Plach is tenth for blocks per set. The Eutectic team ranked 26th in the nation (NAIA) for digs per set, averaging 17.5.

The Eutectics finished the season with a 14-17 record - the best STLCOP record since 2002, when the Euts were 12-13.

Eutectics Advance to Second Round of KIAC Tourney

For the first time in STLCOP history, the Eutectics have advanced past the first round of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament. The eighth-ranked STLCOP team defeated ninth-ranked Berea College in their 8 a.m. match today in Cincinnati. Having earned a win over the Berea Pioneers in regular season play, the Euts were anticipating another win, and delivered it decisively. They kept the Pioneers under 20 points the entire match, finishing with a score of 25-15, 25-19, 25-14.

The Eutectics will move on to play undefeated Indiana University East in the second round of the tournament at 4 p.m. today. The Red Wolves are ranked number one in the conference, receiving a bye in the first round of the tournament.

Eutectics Head to Conference Tournament 

Kaitlyn LaBoube jump sets Kelsey Toler. Photo by Lindsy Benedict

The Eutectic women's volleyball team will travel to Cincinnati on Friday, Nov. 9, to compete against Berea College in the first round of the KIAC tournament. The eighth-ranked Euts will play the ninth-ranked Mountaineers at 8 a.m. With a win over the Mountaineers in the morning, the Euts will move on in the bracket to play undefeated Indiana University-East, who, as the number one seed, has a bye for the first round.

The Eutectics have a 13-16 record for the season, 3-7 in the KIAC, and are ranked 23rd in the NAIA in digs per set, averaging 17.9. Setter Kaitlyn LaBoube has racked up 795 assists so far this season at a clip of 8.1 assists per set and is well on her way to breaking the STLCOP single season assists/set record of 7.4. As a second year, she has already climbed into the number two ranking for most career assists at STLCOP (1,174) as well as single season assists. In the KIAC, she is ranked in the top ten in several individual statistical categories including assists, assists per set, aces per set, and digs per set. Teammates Alyssa Hitpas, Mallory Mensing, and Kelly Plach have also claimed spots on the KIAC top ten list. First-years Hitpas (outside hitter) and Mensing (libero) are both ranked third in the STLCOP record books for single season kills (314) and single season digs (468).

Volleyball Team Finds Success

With two matches left in regular season play, the Eutectic volleyball team is enjoying its best season since 2004. The Euts have won 12 of 27 matches this season, including their most recent five set win over MacMurray College on Oct. 31.

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube is now ranked second in STLCOP history in career assists with 1076. In addition to her stellar setting, which has put her at No. 6 in the conference for assists per set, LaBoube is
ranked in the top ten in three other individual statistical categories (assists, aces per set, and digs per set).
Fellow teammates Alyssa Hitpas, Mallory Mensing, and Kelly Plach also rank in the KIAC top 10.

The Eutectic team is currently ninth in the KIAC. STLCOP will travel to Oakland City University and Crowley's Ridge College for its last two matches before the conference tournament begins on Nov. 9.

Kaitlyn LaBoube sets the ball for Kelly Plach.  Photo by Lindsy Benedict

The second meeting of the Eutectics and the Lindenwood University-Belleville Linx did not go as well for the Euts as the first. After winning 3-1 the previous week, the Eutectics suffered a 0-3 loss to the Linx on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Whether it was home-team advantage or just an off night for the Eutectics, the STLCOP team was just not up to par against the Linx, losing 18-25, 12-25, 20-25.

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube set up 22 kills for the Eutectic hitters, including fourth-year Kelly Plach (six), first-year Alyssa Hitpas (five) and second-year Kelsey Toler (five). First-year Mallory Mensing dug up 13 attacks and Toler pitched in four blocks for the Euts.

The Eutectics are now 9-12 for the season and 2-5 in the KIAC. This weekend, Oct. 27 and 28, the Euts will play four matches at Midway College (Ky.), three of which will be conference match-ups. On Saturday, STLCOP will play two KIAC teams: KIAC newcomer Carlow University (Pittsburgh, Pa.) at 9 a.m. and Midway College at 11 a.m. A third match is scheduled at 3 p.m. against Bluefield College (Va.). Sunday, the Euts will take on another newcomer to the conference: Point Park University (also from Pittsburgh) at 9 a.m. before heading back to St. Louis.

STLCOP Takes Tough Loss to Kaskaskia

Alyssa Hitpas had 23 kills in the match against Lindenwood-Belleville. Photo by Lindsy Benedict.

After a well-deserved weekend off from competition, the Eutectic volleyball team made a return trip to Centralia, Ill., on Monday, Oct. 22 to play Kaskaskia College. Early in the season, the Euts suffered a 0-3 loss to the Blue Angels in the Pillbox and this time the Eutectics hoped to reverse the outcome.

It started out well-enough, with a gritty 31-29 first-set win for the Eutectics. First-year hitter Alyssa Hitpas pounded down nine of the 22 kills for the Eutectics in the first set, while second-year Laura Seier dug up 11 of their 40 digs. The Eutectics could not keep up that kind of play for the next three sets, however. The Blue Angels held the Euts to 28 total kills and only six blocks for the rest of match, forcing a STLCOP loss with scores of  31-29, 18-25, 10-25, 15-25.

Hitpas racked up 23 kills in the match, while first-year libero Mallory Mensing had 28 digs for the Euts. Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube finished the match with 42 assists.

The Eutectics are now 9-12 for the season. Wednesday, Oct. 24, they return a match at Lindenwood University-Belleville at 7 p.m. The Eutectics hope to repeat last week's 3-1 win over the Linx in
the Pillbox. 

Eutectics Pick Up Two More Wins at Home 

The STLCOP volleyball team added two more wins to its record by winning two in a row last week in the Pillbox. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Euts defeated the Lindwood University-Belleville Linx in four close sets, going 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-20. Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube had 37 assists, 10 digs, and five blocks for the Eutectics in the match. First-years Alyssa Hitpas and Mallory Mensing had 14 kills and 10 digs, respectively, while fourth-year Kelly Plach led the team in blocks with eight.

The STLCOP Student Body Union-Programming sponsored a tailgate party on the Quad before the Eutectics' last home match of the season on Thursday, Oct. 18. With a boisterous home crowd cheering them on, the Euts dominated the Blackburn College Beavers 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-23). LaBoube had 33 assists, while Hitpas and Mensing again came through with kills (13) and digs (23) for the Euts.

LaBoube, Hitpas, Mensing, and Plach are all ranked in the top ten in the KIAC for individual statistics. LaBoube has also broken into the top 30 in the NAIA for aces per set at 0.5.

The Eutectics are now 9-11 for the 2012 season with eight regular season matches left. Monday, Oct. 22, the STLCOP team returns a match at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill., at 7 p.m. 

Eutectics Swat Hornets Down in the Pillbox

Kelsey Toler prepares to serve  against Harris Stowe in the Pillbox on Monday.

The Eutectics dominated the first two sets, squashing the Hornets 25-13 and 25-14. For most of the third set, however, the Eutectics struggled to keep up as the Hornets buzzed ahead, 20-18, at which point the STLCOP coaches used their last time out. Once the teams returned to the court, the momentum clearly shifted as first-year libero Mallory Mensing served four points in a row to regain control of the match. STLCOP allowed only one more point from the Hornets, and finished the third and final set with a score of 25-21.

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube put up 25 assists for the Euts and came up with eight digs in the match. Second-year outside hitter Kelsey Toler led the team in kills with nine, and Mensing had nine digs.

The Eutectics will host two more matches in the Pillbox this week. The previously scheduled match against Lindenwood University-Belleville on Sept. 18 was rescheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. The annual STLCOP Student Body Union-sponsored tailgate party, including yard games and food on the quad, will precede the final home match of the season on Thursday, Oct. 18 versus Blackburn College at 7 p.m.

Eutectics Take Fourth at STLCOP Tournament

Kaitlyn LaBoube Earned All-Tournament Team honors.

Kaitlyn LaBoube Named to All-Tournament Team

The Eutectic volleyball team won two matches and lost three at the annual STLCOP Volleyball Tournament in the Pillbox on Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13. After taking a tough four-set loss (23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-15) to Lincoln Christian University on Friday, the Euts came back to beat Harris Stowe State College in three straight sets that night (25-18, 25-14, 25-22). 

On Saturday, the STLCOP team defeated KIAC foe Berea College in three sets (25-16, 26-24, 25-23) before taking a five-set loss to Stephens College (25-23, 19-25, 27-25, 21-25, 15-12). With a 2-2 record for the tournament, the Euts qualified for the third-place match. Facing Stephens once again, the STLCOP team fought hard, but lost in three close sets (28-26, 29-27, 25-19), finishing fourth overall. 

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube was named to the All-Tournament Team for her stellar play. LaBoube finished the tournament with 152 assists at over eight assists per set, 4.8 digs per set, and 10 aces. She posted a season-high 40 assists against Stephens College in the tournament.

The home matches continue this week as the Euts host Harris Stowe State University, Lindenwood University-Belleville, and Blackburn College on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the Pillbox.

For complete STLCOP Tournament Results click here.

The Eutectic volleyball team will be back in action in the Pillbox at the STLCOP tournament on Oct. 12-13.

STLCOP Goes 1-4 on the Road

In the last competition before fall break, the Eutectic volleyball team had a long night at Principia College on
Oct. 2. The match was delayed 40 minutes from the 8 p.m. start time due to Principia's 6 p.m. marathon match against Lindenwood-Belleville. The wait may have cooled the Eutectics' competitive fire as they seemed a bit sluggish during the first two sets, losing 13-25 and 17-25. Then, the Euts seemed to regain their focus and pull out the next two sets 25-18, 27-25. The final set was a battle to the finish with the Euts coming back from 3-8 to score four in a row, making it 7-8. Principia stayed just out of reach, however, and took the match with a 12-15 fifth-set score.

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube put up 26 assists for her teammates, including first-year outside hitter
Alyssa Hitpas who had 13 kills. First-year libero Mallory Mensing dug up 25 attacks for the Eutectics.

Over the weekend, the Euts travelled to Kentucky to take on three conference teams, returning home with one win. First on the schedule was a stop at top-ranked Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky., on Friday, Sept. 28. Despite Mensing's 14 digs and LaBoube's 17 assists, the Euts never gained a foothold against the Eagles, losing in straight sets, 15-25, 10-25, 13-25.

On Saturday, the STLCOP team headed to Owensboro, Ky., to play at Brescia University. After losing a tight first set, 21-25, the Euts rebounded to win the second set 25-20. But, the momentum swung the other way after that, with the Bearcats overtaking the Euts 14-25 and 19-25 in the third and fourth sets. LaBoube had 30 assists, 14 digs and three blocks in the match while Hitpas had 10 kills.

The Euts played one more match at Brescia on Saturday against Alice Lloyd College and claimed a decisive 3-0 win. STLCOP made quick work of Alice Lloyd, keeping the Eagles to single digit scoring, 25-9, 25-8, 25-2. Hitpas again led the offense with a .450 attack percentage and 10 kills. LaBoube racked up another 25 assists and 10 digs while Toler had four total blocks for the Euts. Second-year outside hitter Laura Seier served five aces during the match.

Several Eutectic players are ranked in the top-ten in the KIAC for individual statistics, including LaBoube, who
ranks in four separate categories: assists per set (sixth), aces per set (fifth), total assists (ninth), and digs per set (tenth). Hitpas and Mensing both make the top-ten lists for digs per set (tenth and seventh), while Hitpas also ranks for kills per set (eighth). Toler and Seier make the rankings for blocks per set (eighth) and aces per set (tenth), respectively.

STLCOP's record sits at 4-8 with 16 matches left in the season. The Eutectic team members will enjoy fall break without competition and will return to action at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy Volleyball Tournament on Oct. 12 and 13.

Euts Drop Match to Missouri Baptist

Alyssa Hitpas and Kelsey Toler go up for a block.

Going into their home match on Sept. 20, the STLCOP volleyball team was prepared for a tough match against undefeated Missouri Baptist University. Despite putting up a good fight, the Eutectics lost to the Spartans 3-0 in the Pillbox. 

The Euts played strong, matching the Spartans point for point in the first set  9-9 until MBU pulled away and won the set 25-14. The second set finished in a similar manner, with the Euts down 17-25. First-year libero Mallory Mensing served up four consecutive points in the final set, to take a 14-11 lead for the Euts. Despite the
early lead, the Spartans, ranked 17th in the NAIA, overtook the Eutectics in the end, 25-21.

Mensing racked up 13 digs for the Euts in the match, while second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube had 17 assists and second-year outside hitter Laura Seier put down seven kills.

The Eutectics are now 3-5 for the season. Next up, the team heads to Owensboro, Ky., for a trio of conference matches on Sept. 28 and 29 versus Asbury College, Brescia University, and Alice Lloyd College.

Eutectics Split at Weekend Tri-Match

Kaitlyn LaBoube sets the ball for Kelsey Toler.

The Eutectic volleyball team split a close tri-match in the Pillbox on Saturday, Sept. 15. to put them at 3-4 for the season. After a tough five-set loss (24-26, 25-19, 17-25, 25-18, 7-15) to conference foe Cincinnati Christian in the morning, the Euts turned the tables on East Central College in the afternoon and finished with a win in another five-set match (25-23, 25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 15-8).

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube collected 27 assists during the match against CCU and another 31 against ECC. LaBoube claimed many of those assists by setting up first-year outside hitter Alyssa Hitpas, who had 17 kills against CCU and another 14 against ECC. First-year libero Mallory Mensing chalked up 23 digs in the first match and 27 digs in the second match, while second-year outside hitter Kelsey Toler blocked a total of 10 attacks for the day.

Hitpas and Toler are currently ranked third in the KIAC in kills per set (3.1) and blocks per set (1.0), respectively. LaBoube's 6.0 assists per set puts her at sixth in the conference, while her stellar serving has ranked her fifth in aces per set (0.6). Mensing leads the Eutectics in digs and holds the eighth position in the KIAC with 3.4 per set.

The Eutectics were disappointed when a scheduling glitch prevented Lindenwood University-Belleville from making it to the Pillox on Tuesday. The two teams hope to reschedule the match later in the season. In the meantime, the Euts are gearing up to host Missouri Baptist University in the Pillbox on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Kaitlyn LaBoube served nine aces against Harris Stowe.  Photo by Lindsy Benedict

Eutectics Bring Home a Win

The STLCOP volleyball team collected a win against the Harris Stowe State University Hornets on Sept. 13. After dominating the first two sets by more than 10 points, the Eutectics faltered in the third set, only to pick themselves up again and win the fourth set by a wide margin for the match. Set scores were 25-15, 25-12, 23-25, 25-13.

Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube had 33 assists over the course of the match along with nine service aces and 15 digs. Second-year Kelsey Toler had nine blocks, while first-year Alyssa Hitpas had 14 kills and 15 digs for the Euts.

The STLCOP team is now 2-3 for the season. Up next, the Eutectics host a tri-match against KIAC member Cincinnati Christian University and East Central College on Saturday, Sept. 15, starting at 10 a.m.

Fans Pack the Pillbox for Volleyball Homeopener

Laura Seier (No. 4) pounds the ball for a kill during the Eutectic home opener. Photo by Lindsy Benedict.

It was standing room only in the Pillbox for the STLCOP volleyball homeopener on Sept. 10. With overwhelming support from the crowd, the Eutectics fought hard, but could not overtake visiting Kaskaskia College, losing 23-25, 22-25, 8-25. Second-year setter Kaitlyn LaBoube put up 14 assists and came up with nine digs for the Euts, while second-year outside hitter Laura Seier led the team in kills with seven.

In their first conference matches in New Albany, Ind., on Sept. 8, the Eutectics fell short against KIAC strongholds Indiana University Southeast and Indiana University East, losing in straight sets to both. First-year outside hitter Alyssa Hitpas put down eight kills against the IUS Grenadiers while fellow first-year libero Mallory Mensing had 10 digs. Hitpas had another good match against the IUE Red Wolves later in the day with seven kills and 14 digs for the Eutectics.

The Eutectics are now 1-3 for the season. They'll be back in action on Sept. 7 when they head down the street to take on the Hornets of Harris Stowe State University at 7 p.m. 

Euts Win Season Opener

The Eutectic volleyball team traveled to Carlinville, Ill., last night to post a win for the first match of the
season against Blackburn College. With a 4-0 record versus the Beavers in previous years, the Eutectics may have been a bit surprised by the scrappy Blackburn team, but managed to pull off a victory in the fifth set.

After winning the first set 25-19, the Euts dropped a close second set 23-25. Then a decisive 25-15 third-set win
preceded another close 24-26 loss, forcing the fifth set. In that fifth set, the Euts took care of business quickly
winning the set 15-9 along with the match.

The STLCOP team will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 8, when they travel to New Albany, Ind., for two conference match-ups against Indiana Unversity Southeast and Indiana University East. The home opener at the Pillbox will be Monday, Sept. 10, versus Kaskaskia College.

2012 STLCOP Volleyball Preview

The Eutectics are ready for the season opener at Blackburn College on Sept. 5

With 10 athletes on the roster, the 2012 Eutectic volleyball team is packed with talent. Five starters from last years' team will return to the lineup and provide consistency and experience to the STLCOP squad, while the five newcomers have impressed head coach Randi Tyler and assistant coach Katie Rask from the start of preseason training.

STLCOP's 2011 MVP, Kaitlyn LaBoube, tops the list of returners. The second-year setter led the KIAC in service aces/set (0.5) and ranked sixth and eighth in assists/set (5.3) and digs/set (3.3), respectively. LaBoube was also named to the St. Louis College of Pharmacy All-Tournament Team in 2011.

Joining LaBoube among the returners is fourth-year middle hitter Kelly Plach, who, as the veteran member of the team will continue her leadership role on the court. She led the team with 42 blocks last season.

Second-years Kelsey Toler, Laura Seier, and Lindsey Becker also return from last year's starting lineup. Toler, an outside and middle hitter, led the Euts in kills last year and will continue to make an impact with her solid and consistent performances on the court. Coach Tyler will look for returning outside hitter Seier to step up this year and add more "kills" to the Eutectic statistics, while Becker, a defensive specialist, will be counted on for digs.

Two of the five newcomers to the Eutectic squad hail from Mater Dei High School, a volleyball powerhouse at
the class 3A level in Illinois. First-years Mallory Mensing and Alyssa Hitpas competed for the two-time Illinois state champion team and are expected to adapt to the college level quickly. Mensing, a defensive specialist in high school, will take up the position of libero for the Euts. Hitpas impressed the coaches with her hitting ability early on, so despite the fact that she played libero in high school she will move to the outside hitter position on the Eutectic team.

Injuries have plagued the remaining three newcomers for much of the preseason. Lindsay Hall, a 5'11" right side hitter, Sarah Bauer, a middle hitter, and Jade Pfleger, an all-around utility player, should all see playing time once they're healthy. These first-years hope to heal and be ready to play in the season opener at Blackburn College on Wednesday, Sept. 5.
 
Coaches Tyler and Rask hope to continue the Euts' winning streak against Blackburn (STLCOP defeated the Beavers twice last year) to get the season off on a positive note. The coaches' goal for the team is to finish higher in the KIAC than last year (7th of 10) and win more of the tight matches. With the addition of Carlow University (Penn.) and Point Park University (Penn.) to the KIAC and an additional match against Alice Lloyd College (Ky.), the Eutectic coaches are somewhat unsure of what to expect from conference play this year. Regardless of what the conference looks like this year, the Euts are ready to give it their best and compete hard, which is bound to result in another spectacular season of volleyball at STLCOP.