ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team defeated Hamline University in three sets during the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener, Wednesday evening at Hutton Arena, improving its record to 8-1 overall and 1-0 during conference play.
“Our serving was very aggressive and our pin attackers hit efficiently,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden.
Gustavus 3, Hamline 0: 25-16, 25-9, 25-19 (Box Score)
Taking the first four points of the match, the Gusties and the Pipers battled back and forth in the first set, seeing a couple lead changes until Gustavus took control and took a 20-14 lead in result of six consecutive points and maintained the lead to go up 1-0.
The Black and Gold hit .375 with 17 kills in the second set, overmatching Hamline as they jumped out to a 12-2 lead and held on to at least a 12-point lead throughout the set. Hamline pushed back in the third, forcing an even set with the score set at 6-6, followed by 13-13 near the midway point. However, the Gustie offense proved to be too much for the Pipers as they went on a 12-6 to close out the match.
Kate Holtan (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) and Hanna Albers (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) led the Gustavus attack, each tallying similar numbers. Holtan and Albers both set season-highs with 13 kills and each added eight digs. Both were very efficient as well, as Albers recorded a .478 attack percentage and K. Holtan hit .458.
Nora Holtan (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) set up the offense, notching her fourth double-double of the season with 31 assists and 11 digs. Brittany Luethmers (Jr., Prior Lake, Minn.) guided the defense with 12 digs. As a team, the Gusties posted a .306 attack percentage with 43 kills and 10 attack errors on 108 attempts.
“Tonight was a good start to conference play and we are looking forward to tomorrow’s practice to get better and have a great time at a very competitive tournament this weekend,” Sherden concluded.
Next up, the Gusties prepare for another weekend tournament at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, in which they are set to face the University of Minnesota-Morris, UW-Eau Claire, the University of Chicago, and Lakeland University.