NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team traveled to Carleton Wednesday night and defeated the Knights in straight sets 3-0. With the win, the Gusties move to 11-12 overall and 4-2 in the MIAC, while Carleton falls to 5-15 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
“It was good to get back into it with a three-set win coming off a tough weekend,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “The team fought hard, especially in the second set when we went back and forth and into extra points.”
The Gusties used a big run in the first set to get out to a five-point lead, but the Knights slowly clawed their way back into it, bringing it within one point at 19-18. Gustavus though, took over late scoring five of the last six points and took the set 25-19.
Set two started out in Carleton’s favor, but the Gusties responded in the middle of the set, with the teams playing to a score of 15-15. The Knights responded, going on a 6-3 run to take a 21-18 lead. The Gusties though, capitalized on six Knight errors to close out the set on a 9-4 run and take set two 25-21.
Set three was Gustavus’s best set, as they jumped out to an early 13-7 lead. The Knights would battle and pull the set within three points multiple times but the Gusties, who hit .256 in the final set, were able to keep Carleton at bay and take the 25-20 win.
Kate Holtan (Jr., Rochester) led the attack for Gustavus with 13 kills in the match, while Gemma Robey (Fy., Minneapolis) and Rhyan Herrmann (Fy., Browntwon) each added eight. Mitaya Johnson (Sr., Kasson) was the team’s primary setter in the match, as she notched 33 assists. Hailey Embacher (Jr., Mankato) led the back row with 18 digs, while Ellie Anderson (Jr., St. Paul) and Holtan added 13.
The Gusties will next be in action when they host Bethel Friday for a 7 p.m. contest.