Sarah Elliott taps over a volley against Hamline. (photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team got back on track Tuesday night with a 3-1 victory over Hamline at Gus Young Court. The Gusties won by set scores of 25-16, 25-17, 17-25, and 25-21, improving to 2-1 overall.
“Overall it was great to bounce back with a win today after a battle of a match on Saturday,” Assistant Coach Alyssa Taylor said.
The Gusties started the match strong, hitting .324 on the attack while holding the Pipers to a -.028 percentage in the first set. A couple Piper attack errors and a kill by Courtney Peterson (So., Jamestown, S.D.) set the tone as the Gusties never gave up the lead and cruised to a 25-17 win.
The second set started in favor of the Pipers as the Gusties committed four straight attack errors. Trailing 5-1, the Gusties went on an 8-4 run to tie the score at 9-9. The rallies went back-and-forth before the Gusties strung together seven consecutive points on closed out the set on a 10-1 run.
“I think we came out the first set ready to play and implement the few things we touched up in practice yesterday,” Taylor said. “Our blocking and ability to pick up tips and keep balls alive was on point to start and that allowed us to be on the attack most of the first and second set.”
Hamline took advantage of four more attack errors by the Gusties to start the third, paired with a couple kills and an ace to take a 7-0 lead. Gustavus brought the score to within three points later in the set, but never fully recovered from the rough start in a 25-17 loss.
After another slow start in the fourth, the Gusties won five straight rallies for a 9-5 lead to force a Piper timeout. Hamline got within one point, but the Gusties never gave up the lead and were able to close out the set and the match.
“I think we dialed back our urgency and aggressiveness in the third set and then made some unforced errors,” Taylor said. “The teams in this conference are too good that if you let up even a little, they’re coming for you and Hamline came out ready to get after it in the third set and we just couldn’t catch back up. However, I’m proud of the team for coming out and responding in the fourth set and closing out the match.”
For the third consecutive match, Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester) led the attack with 16 kills. She added 23 digs for a double-double. Sarah Elliott (So., Lombard, Ill.) had a season-high 15 kills and three blocks, while Sydney Olson (So., Willmar) added 11 kills, five aces, and three blocks. Kasie Tweet (Fy., Adrian) directed the offense with 48 assists, while Hailey Embacher (Sr., Mankato) led the defense with 31 digs.
“Sarah came up big for us tonight with her blocking and attacking and Sydney had a good night swinging,” Taylor said. “We look forward to another chance to compete at home tomorrow.”
Gustavus hosts Saint Benedict at 7 p.m. Wednesday for its final home match of the season.