Coach Kari Eckheart discusses strategy during a timeout.
Meghan Gehring goes up for a kill.
Sam Broderius gets set to receive serve.
The Gusties and Vikings shake hands after an exciting and competitive match.
The Gustavus volleyball team evened its record to 3-3 on the season defeating Bethany Lutheran College Tuesday night in Mankato. The Gusties were led offensively by Angela Ahrendt’s 17 kills, and defensively by Jenny Ewert’s 22 digs. The scores for the match were 25-13, 18-25, 25-20, and 30-28.
Gustavus grabbed the lead early and went on to win the first set in convincing fashion, 25-13. The Gusties recorded 16 kills in the set and posted an impressive .350 attack percentage. The team dropped the second set by a score of 18-25, but rebounded with a 25-20 win in the third set. The fourth set provided great back-and-forth action with both teams keeping it close until the very end. Gustavus rallied to claim a thrilling 30-28 victory.
Gustavus was led on the attack by four players with double digits kills. Ahrendt led the way with 17, followed by Janey Helland and Olivia Warren with 12, and Meghan Gehring with 11. Malea Noennig (27) and Sam Broderius (20) continued their steady play as each recorded over 20 assists. Defensively, the Gusties were guided by Ewert’s 22 digs. Erin Sherman reached double digits in digs as well as she chipped in 11 in the winning effort.
Gustavus plays next on Friday September 11, as the team hosts the Gustavus Classic. The Gusties open the tournament with the first game at 5:00 p.m. against Martin Luther. Other teams competing in the tournament are the University of River Falls, York College (NE), and Carleton.