The last time Gustavus Volleyball lost was on Sept. 9, when the Gusties lost a close match 2-3 to Cornell in the Loras College Tournament. Since that loss, the Gusties have won seven straight, bringing their overall record to 11-2 and 2-0 in the MIAC.
“Our serving was really tough tonight. Our defense was also scrappy, which allowed our offense to generate some momentum.” — Head Coach Sherden
The Gusties shut out St. Olaf on Wednesday night, winning their three sets 25-10, 25-21 and 25-20. In the first set the Gusties came out strong with a 10-1 lead, then countering a 5-1 Ole run with a crushing 15 point victory.
The Oles came out hard in the second set, leading 6-2. Gustavus retaliated with five straight points, and then the two teams traded blows, with four lead changes over 21 volleys, until Gustavus took the final lead and held on.
The third set saw another fierce start from the Oles, but Gustavus battled back with four straight kills, causing St. Olaf to call a timeout. Things were then tied up at 16-16, but Gustavus smelled a shutout and powered to a fice point win.
All aspects of the Gusties’ game contributed to the win.
“Our serving was really tough tonight. Our defense was also scrappy, which allowed our offense to generate some momentum,” Head Coach Rachelle Sherden said.
Two Gusties that stood out in the match were Sophomore Lauren Hanson, who proved again that she was the go-to attacker with a team-leading 16 kills, and Sophomore Hannah Albers who had nine kills and a team best 12 digs.
“Lauren had a phenomenal match and Hanna really turned it on at the end,” Sherden said. “It’s great to see those two performing well as we get into our conference schedule because every match in the MIAC is a battle.”
“Lauren had a phenomenal match and Hannah really turned it on at the end. It’s great to see those two performing well as we get into our conference schedule.” — Head Coach Sherden
Sophomore Nora Holtan was again excellent, averaging 10 points per set with nine digs and four kills. Holtan has already received two MIAC Setter-of-the-week awards this early in the season.
The Gusties return home on Saturday for a 3 p.m. MIAC match-up against St. Catherine. The Wildcats dropped their match against St. Thomas Wednesday, moving to 8-6 overall and 0-2 in the MIAC. Show up and cheer on the Gusties!