EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The No. 14-ranked Gustavus volleyball team swept the University of Minnesota-Morris and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire during day one of the Nike/Eastbay Fall Classic on Friday, improving its overall record to 10-1 on the season.
“Overall, we got better after working hard on a few things in the gym this week,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden.
Gustavus 3, UM-Morris 0: 25-14, 25-23, 25-21
Kate Holtan (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) led a combined attack effort for the Gusties, with 11 kills. In addition, Lauren Hanson (Jr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) added nine, along with eight from Shaefer Rupar (Sr., Merrill, Wis.) and Sam Haugen (Jr., Becker, Minn.). Rupar notched a season-best attack percentage, hitting .429. Nora Holtan (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) tallied 34 assists while Brittany Luethmers (Jr., Prior Lake, Minn.) added 10 digs.
Gustavus got off to a nice start in set one, registering 16 kills with three errors on 29 attempts for a .448 attack percentage. Despite a shaky set two, the Gusties held on and stepped up to take the third set and fourth-straight victory.
As a team, Gustavus totaled 44 digs for a .320 attack percentage, along with 37 digs and six blocks.
Gustavus 3, UW-Eau Claire 0: 25-22, 25-20, 25-21
Kate Holtan and Hanna Albers (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) led the Gustie attack during game two. Albers hit .323 on 13 kills in 31 attempts, while Holtan totaled 10 kills on 26 attempts. Nora Holtan and Luethmers each duplicated their game one totals, Holtan tallying 34 assists and Luethmers with 10 digs. As a team, the Black and Gold hit .261 with 42 kills on 111 attempts.
The Gusties posted 17 kills and a .300 attack percentage in the first set, jumping out to a 9-5 lead after four-straight kills from Kate Holtan. The rest of the set was tight, but Gustavus was able to maintain a lead and claim the first lead.
Gustavus improved upon its attack efficiency in the second set, hitting .303 with 14 kills on 33 attempts. The Gusties forced a combined 15 Blugold errors in sets two in three.
“Our attackers were smart and efficient all around for the most part, our serve was aggressive, and our blockers slowed down a lot of first tempo attacks and serve receive was pretty solid all around,” said Sherden. “We are looking forward to another tough day tomorrow.”
Day two of the tournament begins tomorrow at noon as the Gusties take on the University of Chicago, followed by a match against Lakeland University.