The Gustavus volleyball team claimed a 3-1 win over Bethany Lutheran College in St. Peter on Wednesday night. The Gusties improved to 3-3 overall, while Bethany Lutheran fell to 2-3 overall.
The Gusties jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the match although each of the first two games were very competitive. The Vikings claimed a thrilling third game by the score of 31-29. Gustavus rallied from a 29-22 deficit to tie the game at 29-29, however Bethany scored the final two points to extend the match to a fourth game. In the fourth and final game, the Gusties jumped out to an early 11-4 lead and never looked back on their way to a 30-17 victory.
The Gusties were led at the net by Tara Houlihan and Jenni Thelemann with 15 kills each. Setter Rachel Batalden had a big night running the Gustavus offense as she recorded 55 assists and 20 digs.
Bethany was led by Aimee Frieborg with 15 kills, five service aces and four block assists. Lindsay Larson also had a productive night with 11 kills and 14 digs. Viking setter Kelsey Black recorded 39 assists.
The match was the first ever official match between Gustavus and Bethany as the Vikings have just recently moved from a junior college to a four-year NCAA Division III provisional institution.
Gustavus will host the six team Gustavus Classic this Friday and Saturday on Gus Young Court in the Lund Center.