The Gustavus women’s volleyball team opened its season by posting a 2-2 mark and finishing seventh out of nine teams at the Haverford Invitational in Pennsylvania. Sophomore outside hitter Tara Houlihan led the team in kills (57) and digs (51) in the four games.
The Gusties struggled a bit the first day as they fell to Lebanon Valley 3-0 (25-30, 26-30, 28-30) and Clarion 3-1 (13-30, 26-30, 30-27, 25-30). Sophomore middle hitter Anne Osthus led the team against Lebanon Valley with 10 kills and four block assists. Tara Houlihan led the way against Clarion with 18 kills, 16 digs and two block assists.
On the second day, the Gusties picked up two solid wins in the consolation bracket to finish seventh. Coach Kari Eckheart’s squad opened the day with a 3-0 win over Marymount, Virginia (30-12, 30-15, 30-17) and then wrapped up with a 3-0 win over St. Mary’s College of Maryland (30-19, 30-19, 30-27). First year middle hitter Jenny Moseng turned in a strong performance against Marymount with 11 kills and two block assists, while Tara Houlihan added 11 kills and eight digs. Against St. Mary’s, Houlihan again led the way with 18 kills, 11 digs and two service aces.