The Gustavus volleyball team slipped past Bethany Lutheran College 3-0 in Mankato on Monday evening. All three sets were very competitive with the Gusties prevailing 25-23, 26-24, and 25-22. Angela Ahrendt and Janey Helland led the Gustavus attack with eight kills each.
In the first set, the Gusties built a 23-18 lead before the Vikings rallied to score five of the next six points to cut the lead to 24-23. Gustavus, however picked up the next point and held 0n for the 25-23 victory.
In the second set, Gustavus trailed 24-23 but rallied to score the final three points and win 26-24.
In the third and final set, the largest lead held by either team was three points. Gustavus led 10-7, but Bethany rallied to tie the score at 11-11. Later in the set, the score was tied at 19-19, however the Gusties outscored the Vikings 6-3 the rest of the way to close out the match with a 25-22 win in the final set.
The Gustie attack was very balanced with five players registering five or more kills including Ahrendt and Helland with eight each, Dana Boerboom with seven, and Nicki Ainsworth and Emily Phillips with five each. Kelsey Florian led in set assists with 19 and Jenny Ewert led in digs with 17.
Gustavus, which improved to 6-9 overall, returns to conference play with a match at Hamline on Wednesday at 7 pm.