SAINT PETER, Minn. — The No. 15 Gustavus volleyball team finished its regular season Saturday night, defeating Saint Mary’s in a 3-0 sweep to claim a perfect MIAC record of 11-0 and an overall record of 23-4.
Both teams battled for the lead through the first set, with the Cardinals putting up a fight against the No. 15 Gusties. The Cardinals’ one-two punch of Ciarra McNally and Abbie Stigler posted five kills each in an effort to keep up with the Gusties, but a balanced Gustavus offense proved too much for the Cardinals to handle. Lauren Klaith (Jr., Rockford) posted six kills, helping the Gusties to a 25-21 set one victory.
Set two told the tale of a different story, with the Gusties scoring seven unanswered points before the Cardinals were able to put one on the board. Gustavus ran away with it, building the set two lead to as many as 14, including the final score of 25-11.
The Gusties jumped out to another early lead in set three, scoring eight of the first 12 points in the set. While the Cardinals would make a push and move within one point of the Gusties at 13-12, they were unable to overcome the deficit, as the Gusties finished the sweep with a set three victory of 25-20.
Klaith led the offense for the Gusties, posting 14 kills and hitting a whopping .483 on the night. Seniors Jess Gruber (Sr., Becker) and Courtney Peterson (Sr., Jamestown, N.D.) posted eight and six of their own to add to the Gustie victory. Kasie Tweet (Jr., Adrian) chipped in 34 of the Gusties’ 40 assists, while Maren Sundberg (Fy., Eagan) and Payton Auseth (So., Chaska) tallied 20 and 16 digs, respectively. Auseth and Sydney Olson (Sr., Willmar) also added three service aces each, while Sundberg posted two of her own to bring the Gustie total to eight.
Gustavus Athletics also celebrated eight student-athletes that have represented the volleyball program with pride and class throughout their collegiate careers. Student-athletes honored at Senior Night for their years of commitment were Rhyan Herrmann (Sr., Brownton), Jess Gruber, Sarah Elliott (Sr., Lombard, Ill.), Claire Anderson (Sr., Lake Crystal), Leah Meyer (Sr., Milaca), Courtney Peterson, Nora Lehmkuhl (Sr., Northfield), and Sydney Olson. The Gusties also celebrated senior student managers Sarah Genet and Amber Krahn.
With their victory over Saint Benedict last weekend, the Gusties clinched the No. 1 spot in MIAC Playoffs, to take place starting next week. The Gusties will host the winner of the No. 4 and No. 5 seed for a MIAC Playoff Semifinal next Thursday at 7 p.m.
Congratulations to the coaching staff and team !! I have become a fan after Hanna’s career there. Courtney, you are wearing #14 proud. Good luck in finals this week.