ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team claimed its 16th consecutive victory against a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opponent Saturday afternoon, defeating St. Catherine in four sets 25-16, 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, improving to 12-2 overall and 3-0 in the league.
Lauren Hanson (So., Redwood Falls, Minn.) and Nora Holtan (So., Rochester, Minn.) played key roles in the victory. Hanson posted 20 kills, while Holtan offered 40 assists, 16 digs, and nine kills – just one kill shy of a triple-double. Brittany Luethmers (So., Prior Lake, Minn.) led the defense with 22 digs.
“Lauren and Nora carried the load on offense today,” Head Coach Rachelle Sherden said. “They didn’t make many unforced errors. Brit played well, too, and she’s just been a constant presence back there for us.”
Gustavus asserted itself right from the get-go, racing out to a commanding 10-1 lead in the first set. St. Kate’s benefitted from three straight attack errors late in the set, but the Gusties were able to come away with a decisive nine-point win.
The Wildcats went toe-to-toe with the Gusties to start the second frame, staying within three points after 16 volleys. The visitors then scored four straight points, taking an 11-9 lead and forcing a Gustavus timeout. The Black and Gold responded well after the break by taking the next four points to regain the lead, one it would not give up the rest of the way.
St. Kate’s started the third set on the right foot, taking an 8-4 advantage before the Gusties answered with a 7-1 run. The Wildcats battled back and regained the lead at 12-11. Gustavus would tie the score five times, but the visitors went on a 6-1 run late and managed to hold on for a four-point decision.
The Gusties got back on track in the fourth set by scoring the first three points and never trailed the rest of the way. St. Kate’s tied the score twice early on, but Gustavus went on a 7-1 run and never looked back.
“We need to get back into the gym on Monday and be ready to go because next week we have Augsburg and St. Thomas on the road,” Sherden said. “It’s going to be a great challenge and we are really excited about it. We need to get back into our groove. We’ll be looking for more consistency next week.”
Gustavus next travels to Augsburg for a 7 p.m. match Wednesday.