SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team plays host to Bethel on Friday night for a 7 p.m. contest. The Gusties come into to the contest with an 11-12 overall mark and 4-2 MIAC record while the Royals are 15-6 overall and 4-2 in the conference.
The Series: Friday’s contest marks the 57th all-time meeting between the Gustavus and Bethel volleyball programs with the Gusties leading the series 31-24-1. The two teams met last season on Sept. 22 for Gustavus’s 50th Season Celebration where the Gusties defeated the Royals 3-0.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus enters the contest following a 3-0 win against Carleton Wednesday. The Gusties have been aggressive on their serves this season, ranking second in the conference in service aces with 166, while their service errors of 189 is also the second most in the MIAC. Kate Holtan (Jr., Rochester) leads the attack and is also tied atop the conference with 306 kills through 23 matches, while first-years Sarah Elliott (Fy., Lombard, Ill.) and Rhyan Herrmann (Fy., Brownton) have 175 and 174, respectively. Kaylyn Johnston (Fy., Urbana, Ill.) leads the team in set assists with 503 on the season, while Mitaya Johnson (Sr., Kasson) has added 307. Hailey Embacher (Jr., Mankato) leads the Gustie defense with 437 digs, while Holtan has added 256.
Scouting the Royals: Bethel, who had won 10 straight prior to their contest Wednesday with St. Thomas, fell to the Tommies 3-1 to snap their streak. Through 21 matches, Maria Claflin leads the team with 270 kills, while five other Royals have at least 100. Their primary setter, Hannah Wilhite, leads the team with 555 assists, and also ranks second on the team with 157 kills. Dominique Dabu leads the back row with 333 digs, while Allie Fauth has added 268.