Photo Courtesy of SPX Sports | David Faulkner
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team hosted Augsburg on Wednesday night for a conference match and took 3-0 victory over the Auggies with scores of 25-15, 25-12, 25-20. With the win, the Gusties improve to 16-4 overall and 4-1 in the conference.
The Gusties got out to a hot start in set one taking an early 9-3 advantage. Augsburg answered back with with a 6-2 run but the Gusties were too far ahead in the 25-15 first set, while Sarah Elliott (Jr., Lombard, Ill.) hit .714 in the process.
Gustavus continued to dominate with an impressive 8-1 run in the middle of set two, accelerating to 25-12 and taking a 2-0 match lead.
Augsburg found its stride in the in what proved to be the toughest set of the night, tying it at 12-12 and taking their first lead of the match, 15-14. After a timeout the Gusties battled back in the final points of the third set to finish strong in the 25-20 closer.
“Our team came out playing really aggressive and smart overall,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “I thought Kasie did a good job of spreading the offense. But I just felt like we were kind of ready to go from the get-go. We did miss a lot of serves, but the serving was pretty purposeful and aggressive. And defensively, I think we did what we needed to do to stop a very talented attacking team. The third set was getting a little bit tight, but I’m glad they responded in that timeout and to finish it in three.
Coming off of MIAC Offensive player of the week honors, Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester) had a team high 12 kills while three Gusties recorded eight digs. Kasie Tweet (So., Adrian) recorded 32 assists in the victory.
“Tomorrow and Friday we’ll be back in the gym preparing before we host the two matches on Saturday where we’ll face both very good, tough opponents.”
Gustavus is back in action when they host UW-La Crosse and St. Olaf for a Saturday triangular with St. Olaf starting at 1:00 and UW-La Crosse at 5:00.