Photo courtesy of SPX Sports | David Faulkner
Eau Claire, Wis. – The Gustavus volleyball team split in the final matches of the Sandy Schumacher Memorial tournament, winning 3-0 over St. Norbert and falling 3-2 to No. 12 UW-Eau Claire. With the win and loss, the Gusties move to 11-2 overall and finished the tournament 3-1.
“The team fought hard this weekend,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “It’s exciting to see what this team is capable of. We will use the tournament competition from the last three weekends as feedback for our areas of growth and for how to continue to best utilize our strengths. We look forward to opening up MIAC play next week.”
Gustavus put up an early 9-5 lead and were able to consistently hold a four point edge. The Green Knights battled back and ran up the score at set point before the Gusties secured a 30-28 first set.
Both teams went shot for shot in the second set before a six point Gustavus run gave the Black and Gold a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The Gusties put up a 12-6 lead in the third frame that would prove solid in the 25-16 final set in the 3-0 win over St. Norbert.
The duo of Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester) and Marlee Turn (So., Kennedy) led the team with 10 kills each while Hailey Embacher (Sr., Mankato) notched 26 digs
Gustavus faced a tough nationally ranked Blugolds squad. UW-Eau Claire stayed on top of a seven point lead over the Gusties to win the first set 25-18.
The Gusties rallied in the second set, as it stayed tied before a comeback with a three point run to close set two and even the match at 1-1.
Gustavus used the momentum to gain control in the contest with a 25-16 third set, gaining a 2-1 match advantage.
The Blugolds held onto the home court advantage, retaliating with a 25-17 fourth frame to force a decisive fifth set.
Kasie Tweet (So., Adrian) led with 45 assists while Holtan tallied 19 kills and 23 digs.
The 5th set continued to be a back and forth affair with the Blugolds holding on for a 17 -15 win for the tournament closer, Gustavus will look to build upon their 11-2 start with their conference opener at home against Macalester.