SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The No. 11 Gustavus volleyball team looked every part of its national ranking Saturday, claiming two convincing straight-set victories at the St. Kate’s tournament. The Gusties defeated UC-Santa Cruz 25-9, 25-13, 25-16 and followed by beating Luther 25-17, 25-19, 25-18 to extend their winning streak to 13 matches. The Gusties are now 21-2 overall.
“We were very efficient on offense today,” Head Coach Rachelle Sherden said. “It was a true collective effort. Along with our starters, everyone on the bench played and did very well.”
Gustavus 3, UC-Santa Cruz 0 | BOX SCORE
The Gusties posted a .287 hitting percentage and held the Banana Slugs to a -.079 rate. Kate Holtan (So., Rochester, Minn.) led the offense with 10 kills and a .389 attacking percentage. She also collected 11 digs for a double-double. Nora Holtan (Sr., Rochester, Minn.) distributed 23 assists and dug out 10 attacks for a double-double as well. Brittany Luethmers (Sr., Prior Lake, Minn.) led the back line with 14 digs.
Gustavus 3, Luther 0 | BOX SCORE
The Black and Gold were once again efficient on the attack, hitting at a .262 percentage while holding the Norse to .096. Lauren Hanson (Sr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) led the attack with 11 kills and a blistering .429 percentage. Kate Holtan contributed 10 kills and added a team-high 15 digs for another double-double, her 10th of the season. Nora Holtan assisted on 34 kills and is now just three assists away from setting the Gustavus program record, held by Jess Lobben (1993-96) with 4,201. Luethmers was once again a key defensive player with 15 digs.
Nora Holtan was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Gustavus now enters the final stretch of its season with four MIAC matches to close out the regular season. The Gusties host Concordia at 7 p.m. Friday for Senior Night.