SAINT PETER, Minn. – The No. 10 Gustavus volleyball team returns to Gus Young Court tonight as it hosts St. Olaf in a MIAC matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m. The Gusties enter the match 14-2 overall and 5-0 in the MIAC, while the Oles are 13-4 overall and 3-2 in the league.
The Series: Tonight’s game marks the 65th meeting between the Gustavus and St. Olaf volleyball programs with the Oles leading the series 34-29-1. Last season the Gusties beat the Oles in straight sets in Northfield, Minn. Gustavus has won the past five meetings.
Friendly Confines: Gustavus draws well for its home matches, averaging an attendance of 481, which is tied for the second most in the Division III. Last season, Gustavus averaged 457 fans per match, which also ranked second in the nation.
Cancer Awareness: Tonight’s match is designated as a Cancer Awareness match. Both Gustavus and St. Olaf players, coaches, and fans are encouraged to sport orange gear in honor of all cancer victims, patients, and survivors. All proceeds at tonight’s match will go to the Stand Up To Cancer Foundation, to generate awareness, educate the public on cancer prevention and help more people diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is riding a six-match winning streak – five of which have been straight-set victories. The Gusties most recently defeated St. Catherine 3-0 on Saturday. As they hit the halfway point of the season, the Gusties have proved to be one of the best offensive teams in the league and in the upper echelon in Division III. Their .237 attack percentage is best in the MIAC and 28th in the nation, while their 13.12 kills per set is third in the league and 28th in the NCAA. Kate Holtan (So., Rochester, Minn.) continues to lead the attack with 3.3 kills per set (4th/MIAC). Nora Holtan (Sr., Rochester, Minn.) directs traffic on the floor, averaging 9.77 assists per set. She’s also dangerous on the attack with a team-best .325 hitting percentage (3rd/MIAC). Brittany Luethmers (Sr., Prior Lake, Minn.) is a defensive staple on the back line, averaging 4.61 digs per set (4th/MIAC).
Scouting the Oles: St. Olaf is currently on a three-match losing streak, most recently falling in five sets to Muhlenberg College on Saturday. The Oles have a strong offense, averaging a league-leading 13.38 kills and 12.57 assists per set. Their .232 team attack percentage is third best in the MIAC. Lauren Rewers leads the offense with 3.45 kills per set and a .269 hitting clip. The offense runs through Lexi Wall as she averages 11.16 assists per set. Haley Langesiag is the top bumper with 4.57 digs per set.