SAINT PETER, Minn. – The No. 9 Gustavus volleyball team finally gets to play at the friendly confines of Gus Young Court tonight as it hosts Hamline in the MIAC opener at 7 p.m. The Gusties are 7-1 overall after winning the Loras Invitational last weekend, while the Pipers are 5-1, most recently defeating Marian 3-0 last Saturday. Tonight is billed as Parent’s/Family Night as Gustie parents and family will be recognized before the match.
Scouting the Gusties: Through eight matches this season, the Gusties are as advertised and living up to the No. 9 national ranking. Gustavus’s lone loss came at No. 7 Trinity (Texas) in the second match of the season. Since then, the Black and Gold have won six-straight, including a five-set victory over No. 21 Northwestern-St. Paul.
As she has done the past three seasons, Nora Holtan (Sr., Rochester, Minn.) continues to direct the offense with 10.27 assists per set (3rd/MIAC). Kate Holtan (So, Rochester, Minn.) leads the Gustie attack with 3.2 kills per set (5th/MIAC) and 96 total kills (3rd/MIAC). Sam Haugen (Sr., Becker, Minn.) and Brittany Luethmers (Sr., Prior Lake, Minn.) lead the defense with team-highs in blocks (22) and digs per set (4.67), respectively.
As a team, the Gusties average 13.4 kills per set, which ranks 24th in NCAA Division III. Their 12.43 assists per set ranks 21st.
Scouting the Pipers: Hamline’s lone loss of the season came in five sets against UW-Superior last Friday. The Pipers started the season with four straight wins, including three in straight sets.
Madison Hurrle leads the attack with 3.32 kills per set (3rd/MIAC). She also leads the team on the front line with 23 blocks. Megan Rubbelke controls the traffic on the floor as the team’s setter with 8.31 assists per set, while Gabby Robinson has a team-high 68 digs (3.09 per set).
The Pipers attack at a .170 clip and have held their opponents to a .078 percentage.