Coyotes can't keep pace with UHSP, fall in straight sets to Eutectics

The Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball team could not duplicate its comeback magic against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.

Less than 24 hours after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Graceland on Friday night inside Mabee Arena – a match the Coyotes won after losing the first two sets – KWU struggled against the undefeated Eutectics.

UHSP hit at a .292 percentage enroute to a 3-0 (25-22, 26-24, 25-13) victory Saturday afternoon in Mabee Arena. After defeating Central Christian 3-0 earlier in the day the Eutectics have won 27 consecutive sets – their two losses to the Coyotes in their season opener.

"I really thought (Friday) night would be something that would propel us moving forward and we came out and played today like we didn't do anything last night," KWU coach Dustin Sahlmann said. "We need to be more aggressive and mentally tougher."

The Coyotes gave UHSP all it wanted in the first two sets. They trailed 20-13 in the first set but fought back and got within two three times – 22-20, 23-21 and 24-22 – before falling. They led the second set 22-20 but UHSP scored four consecutive points for a 24-22 lead. KWU tied it at 24 but the Eutectics scored the next two points for the victory.

UHSP raced to a 15-6 lead in the third set and KWU got no closer than seven the rest of the way.

"We've proven we have everything we need to beat a team like that," Sahlmann said. "Every time I've had a young team – and maybe it's my fault – they always play terrible at home. It goes back to our maturity.

"Thursday night was one of the best practices we've had this season and they were going hard at each other. And then we come out this weekend to play and it's like 'it's somebody in a different jersey, we don't have to go hard.'"

KWU (3-4) had a .179 hitting percentage for the match. Zayin Martinez continued his inspired play for Wesleyan finishing with 11 kills on a .500 hitting percentage and had eight digs. Colin Lindo had eight kills and also a .500 hitting percentage; Viet Nguyen and Justin Burras had six kills apiece. Tyler McUne finished with 31 assists and a team-high 11 digs followed by Burras with 10.

Connor Behymer and Grant Hoover had 10 kills apiece for UHSP.

The Coyotes play Central Christian (0-6) at 7 p.m. Tuesday in McPherson in their next match.