The Gustavus volleyball team got back on the winning track by beating the College of St. Catherine on Wednesday night in three games (30-15, 30-23, 30-22). Gustavus was led by junior outside hitter Tara Houlihan with 12 kills and senior setter Rachel Batalden with 35 assists. First year setter Emily Van Hon led the Wildcats with six kills and 16 assists. The Gusties improved their record to 13-4 overall and 3-1 in the MIAC, while St. Kate’s fell to 1-17 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
The Gusties got off to a quick start in game one and held the lead for the entire game. Coach Kari Eckheart’s squad gradually built their lead throughout the game until first year defensive specialist Bri Alsides served eight straight points near the end of the game to give the Gusties their second-largest single game win of the season.
Game two again started well for the Gusties, but St. Kate’s quickly got in a groove and went on an 11-6 run to give them a 13-9 lead. Gustavus came back to tie the game at 18 and never looked back on their way to a 30-23 win.
The Wildcats built an early 11-6 lead in the third game but the Gustie offense again proved to be too much to handle. Gustavus tied the game at 17 and went on a 13-5 run to close out the game at 30-22.
Gustavus will be back in action on Friday as they take on Macalester College in St. Paul at 7:30 p.m.