Sports Editor- Liv White
The Golden Gustie Volleyball team competed in their second invitational of the season this past weekend. The team battled in the Mabel Lee Invite in Iowa, facing the St. Norbert College Green Knights and the Lakeland University Muskies. The Gusties were able to beat the Green Knights 3-1, while falling in their second match to the Muskies 3-1. The team moves to 7-4 on the season thus far.
In the first match against St. Norbert College, the Gusties held a close lead of 12-11 in the opening set until the Green Knights went on a 5-0 taking a 16-12 lead. The Gusties were able to respond with a run of their own to tie the set at 16 all. The battle to 25 points went back and forth, but ultimately SNC took the first set 25-22 to go up 1-0.
The Gusties came into the next set fired up. Despite St. Nobert opening the set with three consecutive points, Gustavus responded with a 9-2 run making the score of the set 9-5. Gustavus was leading by three points 15-12 midway through the set, and continued the set with a 8-3 run. Though the Green Knights kept fighting, the Gusties were able to finish the set 25-19, tying the match at 1-1.
As the Gusties warmed up throughout the game, they kept looking stronger and stronger. In the second set, the Gusties dominated, leading the set 14-11 and then going on a seven-point run. SNC responded by taking the next three points, but that did not stop the momentum for the Gusties. Gustavus went on a four-point run to end the set 25-14 to take a lead in the game 2-1.
The fourth set was 3 all early on before the Gusties took control, going on a 8-2 run. St. Nobert was able to get back within five points to make the score 14-8. Gustavus then went on a 10-2 run to bring the game to match point with Gustavus up 24-10. The Green Knights were able to get another kill, Junior Kyra Johnson sealed the win with a Gustie kill to take the set 25-11 and the match 3-1.
Top performers for the Gusties included Junior outside hitter Logan Brent that led the attack by the Gusties with 17 kills on .433 hitting. Senior middle Sophia Deyak hit .667 with eight kills and five blocks. Sophomore Sahara Morken and First-Year Brooklyn Sigler both played as setters with 26 and 17 assists respectively. Sophomore Ella Olson led the defense for the Gusties with 10 digs.
“We are pushing each other to be the best volleyball players we can be, but are also best friends off the court. I think our comradery will bring us very far and set us apart. There is something very special about being confident in yourself and your abilities, but also everyone else’s around you.” said Brent about her team.
In the second match of the invite the Gusties faced off against Lakeland University. The Gusties began the first set with a 5-0 run and had an early 10-2 lead over the Muskies. Lakeland was able to come back to get the score within one point at 15-14. The Gusties responded with a three-point run making the score 18-14. The Muskies responded with a 7-1 run to take a 21-19 lead. The teams battled to get to 25 points but the Muskies ultimately took the set 25-23 to go up 1-0.
The second set began with an early 6-3 start for Lakeland, but the Gusties were able to put together a 11-3 to go up 14-9. The Muskies responded with a run themselves to regain their lead going up 18-17. The Gusties battled to regain the lead up 21-20, the Gusties and Muskies tied at 24 all, but the Muskies took the set 26-24 to go 2-0 in the game.
Going into the third set the Gusties needed to win to continue the game. Gustavus and Lakeland were tied 9-9 before the Gusties went on a 4-point run to take the lead 13-9. The Muskies responded with their own 4-point run to tie again at 13 all. Gustavus was able to work their way to a 18-17 lead. The Gusties went on a roll and won five points in a row and seven of eight points to take their first set of the match 25-18, cutting Lakeland’s lead to 2-1.
Moving to the 4th set, Lakeland started strong taking a 17-5 lead. The Gusties kept fighting to respond with a 9-2 run to get within five points, down 19-14. Gustavus continued to battle to get the score to 22-20 with Lakeland still in the lead. The set ended with a Gustavus service error for the Muskies to win the set 25-23 and the game 3-1.
Despite their loss the Gusties still performed well. Gustavus had more kills (55 to 49), a higher hitting percentage (.223 to .148) and blocks (11 to four). The difference seemed to be in serving. The Gusties had 15 errors compared to Lakeland’s four errors. Lakeland had more aces as well with eight to Gustavus’ five aces. “We had people filling in big shoes and stepping up in a lot of ways. I think we can all agree we have more to give than what was shown this weekend, but it was very exciting to play tough competition and get a feel for the potential of this team.” Brent remarked.
Highlights for the Gusties included Brent’s 23 kills and .413 on hitting with 4 blocks. First-year Lauren Barker followed with 10 kills on .346 hitting. Morken had 34 assists for the Gustavus offense and Olson contributed 15 digs for the defense.
Up next the Gusties begin their conference competition in St. Joseph taking on the College of St. Benedict. The Golden Gusties will play the Bennies at 7pm on Friday, September 25th. Morken, excited about the rest of the season stated, “I am looking forward most to conference play these upcoming weeks. I am also looking forward to our first home game this Saturday”! The Gusties play their first home game on Saturday, September 26th against St. Catherine at 5pm at Saint Peter High School as the Lund Gym continues renovations. Show up to support our volleyball team on Saturday!