EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Gustavus volleyball team stayed hot in its first round of the NCAA Regional Tournament in a 3-1 victory. The Gusties won the first set 25-16, dropped a 25-21 second set, and finished strong with a 25-22 third set and a 25-17 fourth. In her 22 kill performance, Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester) broke the program kills record with 1,695 previously held by Val Flom with 1,684 (1983-86).
The team will next face UW-Eau Claire for a Friday night match in the second round.
“Chicago was a very tough and fun match against a young team with a bright future,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “We stuck with our game plan for the most part, had a blip in the second. We stayed aggressive, smart on offense, the long rallies went our way often and we did a good job at being disciplined on defense. I’m proud of the way the team stuck with the game plan.”
Gustavus came out charging with a knockout 19-6 opening rally, Holtan accounted for six of the kills while Sydney Olson (Jr., Willmar) hit .400 on the attack. Six Maroon kills narrowed the deficit but Gustavus set the tone with an opening 25-16 set.
Chicago came ready to battle in the second set with an 16-11 midpoint lead. Kylee Cox (Sr., Brooklyn Center) remained solid on the serve but the Gusties couldn’t answer back to the four point deficit as the match score evened.
With a tied game, both teams pulled out every stop. Gustavus secured an early five point advantage but Chicago answered right back, swapping the lead at 20-19. Kasie Tweet (So., Adrian) commanded the attack with her 14 assists, inciting a trio of kills from Holtan, Sarah Elliott (Jr., Lombard Ill.), and Marlee Turn (So., Kennedy) as Gustavus to took a 2-1 lead.
The Gusties kept the momentum rolling into the fourth in final set with a 14-8 run that proved solid in the 25-17 finish.
Coming off of All-Region honors, Hailey Embacher (Sr., Mankato) remained a leader on the back line with 21 digs and three service aces. Tweet continued to direct traffic with 46 assists in the match while Holtan, also named All-Region posted a show-stopping 22 kills and 10 digs.
Gustavus will next take on the Blugolds on Eau Claire’s home court in the second round of the NCAA Championship on Friday night with the first set beginning at 7:00.
“Anything can happen in this tournament. We’re going to be us, and stick to our game plan. We’re ready to bring it.”
super congrates to Kate what a great all around player