EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The No. 14-ranked Gustavus volleyball team defeated the University of Chicago and Lakeland University during day two of the Nike/Eastbay Fall Classic on Saturday, improving its overall record to 12-1 on the season.
“The team really battled on day two, starting off strong against Chicago who we expected to be our toughest match up,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “Both teams today played us really tough, but we didn’t let up.”
Gustavus 3, Chicago 0: 25-18, 25-22, 29-27
The Gusties started off day two of the tournament with a sweep over a Chicago team that received votes in the latest AVCA Coaches’ Poll. Led by a 12-kill attack from Kate Holtan (Fy., Rochester, Minn.), Lauren Hanson (Jr., Redwood Falls, Minn.), and Hanna Albers (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.), Gustavus totaled 45 kills and posted a .235 attack percentage. Albers also tied for the digs team-lead with Brittany Luethmers (Jr., Prior Lake, Minn.), each notching 16 as Albers recorded her first double-double of 2017. In addition Nora Holtan (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) set up the offense with 35 assists.
A hot start in the first set had the Gusties hitting .371 with 16 kills, while the defense stepped up in the second set, forcing 10 Maroon errors.
Gustavus 3, Lakeland 1: 25-22, 18-25, 25-13, 25-21
The Gusties earned their second win of 2017 over the Muskies, as they faced them last weekend, and prevailed in four sets.
Kate Holtan led the Black and Gold attack, picking up a season-best 15 kills to go along with a .303 attack percentage and a double-double performance with 12 digs. Three other Gusties tallied double-digit dig totals, led by 21 from Luethmers and 14 from Abby Leitch (Sr., Mankato, Minn.). Nora Holtan also recorded seven kills and a season-high 41 assists.
As a team, Gustavus totaled 52 kills and 22 errors for a .190 attack percentage.
“Lakeland had a lot of fight from the start since it was a rematch after we beat them the first time,” Sherden said. “Today was definitely more of a mental battle being day two of a tournament and overcoming the heat. It was a big step forward for us because we implemented a lot of what we worked on in practice this last week. Going 4-0 on the weekend is huge because it gives us momentum going into the upcoming tough week. Overall it was a very successful tournament.”
Albers, and the Holtan sisters were recognized as members of the All-Tournament Team.
Gustavus returns to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play of Wednesday for the its home opener, hosting Carleton College at 7 p.m.