Gustavus at Bethel
Date: Friday, Sept. 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Arden Hills, Minn. | Robertson Center Gym
Live Coverage: Live Stats/Video
Gustavus vs. Northwestern-St. Paul
Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: St. Peter, Minn. | Gus Young Court
Live Coverage: Follow @GustieAthletics on Twitter for updates
ST. PETER, Minn. – The No. 10-ranked Gustavus volleyball team looks to continue its winning way with two upcoming matches, heading to Bethel University on Friday evening prior to hosting the No. 12-ranked University of Northwestern-St. Paul for homecoming on Saturday afternoon.
LAST TIME OUT
Gustavus swept Carleton College during its home opener at Gus Young Court on Wednesday evening, improving its overall record to 13-1 overall and 2-0 during Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. RECAP
IN THE POLLS
The Gusties moved up in the most recent Division III National rankings. In the AVCA Coaches Poll, Gustavus moved up from No. 14 to No. 10. Fellow MIAC opponents University of St. Thomas is ranked No. 21, along with Bethel University receiving votes. The No. 10 ranking stands as the highest in Gustavus volleyball program history.
THE SERIES
Friday’s contest marks the 55th all-time meeting between Gustavus and Bethel with the Gusties holding a 30-23-1 advantage over the Royals. Last season, Gustavus defeated Bethel twice, including a 3-1 victory during the MIAC Playoff Championship.
Saturday’s homecoming matchup versus Northwestern marks the 28th all-time matchup between the Gusties and the Eagles, with Gustavus owning a 16-11 series advantage. Northwestern is currently on a three-game winning streak against the Gusties.
SCOUTING BETHEL
The Royals are off to a 1-1 start during conference play, losing at Saint Mary’s University last week prior to earning a 3-1 win over St. Catherine University on Wednesday, improving its overall record to 9-2 on the season. Having received votes in the latest AVCA Coaches’ Poll, Bethel leads the MIAC with a .238 attack percentage, averaging 12.26 kills per set. Senior Kristin Stern leads the Royal offense with a MIAC-leading .368 hitting percentage. Senior Mikayla Morrow leads the team with 274 assists, while sophomore Dominique Dabu leads the defense with 4.82 digs per set.
SCOUTING NORTHWESTERN
The No. 12-ranked Eagles are currently riding a six-game winning streak and are unbeaten during Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play at 5-0. Northwestern most recently swept North Central and Crown College on Tuesday, improving its overall record to 11-3 on the season. As a team, the Eagles lead the UMAC in nearly every offensive statistic, owning a .260 hitting percentage and an average of 14.22 kills per set. A trio of seniors lead the Eagles. Lindsey Peterson leads the attack, hitting .295 with 210 kills, while Leesa Malone sets up the offense with an average of 6.18 assists per set. Jackie Doering guides the defense with 5.13 digs per set.