SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team will play host to Northwestern-St. Paul Saturday at 11 a.m. for Homecoming. The Gusties enter the contest 8-7 overall while the Eagles are 7-4 entering Friday night’s match versus Bethany Lutheran.
The Series: Saturday’s contest marks the 31st contest between the Gusties and Eagles with Gustavus holding an 18-12 edge. The two teams met last season on Sept. 8, 2018 and the Gusties took a five-set victory. Lauren Hanson led the attack with 18 kills and a .326 hitting percentage. Kate Holtan and Hanna Albers finished with double-doubles in kills and digs, while Nora Holtan tallied a triple-double with 53 assists, 12 kills, and 10 digs. Brittany Luethmers dug out a team-high 15 attacks.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus comes into the contest most recently following a 3-0 win over St. Olaf Thursday. Through 15 matches Kate Holtan leads the charge with 171 kills for an average of 3.17, which is good for fifth in the MIAC. Kaylyn Johnston has been the team’s top setter, notching 338 assists while Hailey Embacher has recorded 246 digs in the back row. The Gusties have played just two matches at home this season but are hitting .317 at the friendly confines of Gus Young Court.
Scouting the Eagles: Northwestern most recently defeated Hamline 3-0 Saturday and travels to Bethany Lutheran for a Friday night matchup. Through 11 contests, the Eagles are led by Jenay Fuglestad and Kalley Schwitters who have recorded 149 and 133 kills, respectively. Sydney Schwitters is the teams primary setter with 343 assists, while Marylyn Schroyer has 206 digs. As a team, the Eagles are hitting .202 while holding opponents to a mark of .191.