Lauren Hanson (13) and Sam Haugen go up for a block against UM-Morris. (photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team suffered a heartbreaking 3-0 loss in the opening round of the NCAA Championship on its home court Friday. UM-Morris won by scores of 26-24, 25-22, and 25-20 to shock the region’s top seed. The Gusties finish the season 27-3.
Gustavus struggled on the attack with 22 errors and a pedestrian .127 hitting percentage. The Gusties also had seven service errors.
Lauren Hanson (Sr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) and Hanna Albers (Sr., St. Louis, Mo.) led the offense with 13 and 11 kills, respectively. Nora Holtan (Sr., Rochester, Minn.) distributed 28 assists and dug out 11 attacks. Kate Holtan (So., Rochester, Minn.) led the back with 17 digs.
UM-Morris played like a team with nothing to lose and that showed throughout the match. The Cougars went on a 9-2 run midway through the first set to take an 18-11 lead and held off a Gustie comeback that eventually tied the score at 23-23. But the Cougars took three of the next four points for the win.
Morris started the second set with a 4-1 lead and never trailed the rest of the way. The Gusties tied the score twice more, but again the Cougars were able to close out the set.
Trailing 10-9 in the third, the visitors went on an 8-2 run and held on for the upset victory.
It was a heart breaking ending to this years seaso tonight for the Gusties. It has been a great four years following this this team and you should all be proud of yourselfs for the accomplishments you had. Go Gusties!!!
Congratulations on a great season Gusties and Coach Sherden!