DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Gustavus volleyball team split the opening day at the Loras College Invitational Friday in Dubuque, Iowa. The Gusties (5-2, 0-0 MIAC) began the day falling to Cornell College 2-3 but then defeated No. 13 ranked Carthage College 3-2.
Gustavus vs. Cornell College – 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 18-25, 11-15
The Gusties got off to a hot start against Cornell, winning the first two sets in the tournament’s first action. The Black and Gold were hitting at very efficient rate, .375 in the first set and .429 in the second.
Lauren Hanson (So., Redwood Falls, Minn.) led the Gusties on the attack with a career-high 18 kills. Brittany Luethmers (So., Prior Lake, Minn.) tallied 19 digs to lead Gustavus.
“We started off strong but they made some adjustments and we didn’t respond and lost our flow and made too many unforced errors,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden.
Gustavus vs. No. 13 Carthage College – 15-25, 26-24, 25-13, 23-25, 15-11
Hanna Albers (So., St. Louis, Mo.) posted a career performance as she recorded a career-best 20 kills and 21 digs to help guide the Gusties to victory. Nora Holtan (So., Rochester, Minn.) tied a career-high with 51 assists and Abby Leitch (Jr., Mankato, Minn.) led the squad with 22 digs.
After splitting the first two sets, the third frame was all Gustavus. After gaining a 17-8 advantage, the Black and Gold didn’t look back and didn’t allow Carthage to come within an eight-point lead. The Gusties recorded a .343 hitting percentage while Holtan added 11 assists.
After dropping a tight fourth set, Gustavus regained momentum in the fifth set. After taking a 5-4 lead, the Gusties never trailed, and sealed the victory 15-11.
“I’m proud of my team for bouncing back so fast after a disappointing loss and playing hard for five more sets to get the win. We served very tough, passed well and was much more dynamic on offense. We played as a team and did a good job keeping the momentum going,” Sherden said.
Gustavus continues play at the Loras Invitational tomorrow starting at 11 a.m. as they take on Wartburg College. Then, at 1 p.m. they face Loras College.