The Gustavus volleyball team defeated St. Olaf College 30-28, 30-20, 30-28 to improve its record to 13-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAC. The Gusties snapped a string of 11 straight losses against the Oles dating back to 1991. Tara Houlihan (Soph., Sioux Falls, So. Dak.) led the Gustavus effort with 16 kills and 20 digs. Middle hitter Nicole Nesseth (Sr., Windom, Minn.) also had a big night as she recorded nine kills, four service aces and three blocks.
Coach Kari Eckheart’s squad continued its fine play in close matches by winning the key points when it mattered, late in the first and third games. In the third game, Gustavus trailed 28-27 before winning the last three points and claiming the decisive game 30-28 and the match 3-0.
The win was particularly sweet for the Gusties as they broke an 11-match losing streak to the Oles dating back to 1991. In addition, the last time that Gustavus defeated St. Olaf 3-0 was Sept. 24, 1986 on Gus Young Court in St. Peter.