The Gustavus Adolphus College volleyball team stretched its winning streak to seven matches with a convincing 30-14, 30-27 and 30-22 win over the University of Minnesota-Morris on Tuesday night in St. Peter. The Gusties improved to 7-2 overall while the Cougars fell to 1-5 on the season.
Gustavus opened the match with an impressive 30-14 win in the first game. Middle hitter Anne Osthus recorded five kills and outside hitter Jessica Schaetzke contributed four kills in the game. In the second game, Minnesota-Morris came charging back and led 21-16 at one point. The Gusties, however, scored the next five points to tie the game at 21-21. Gustavus took the lead for good at 26-24 and went on to win 31-27. Setter Rachel Batalden led the Gusties in kills in the second game with five, while Tara Houlihan and Anne Osthus contributed four each. In the decisive third game, Gustavus trailed 10-7 early, however Coach Kari Eckheart’s squad rallied to take the lead at 17-16. Leading 22-21, the Gusties scored eight of the last nine points to claim the game 30-22 and the match three games to none.
Anne Osthus led the Gusties with 13 kills in 21 attempts for a .571 attack percentage. She also contributed three blocks. Nicole Nesseth and Jessica Schaetzke added 10 kills each. Minnesota-Morris was led by Sarah Kenner with nine kills and 10 digs.