SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus volleyball team traveled to Bethel on Saturday night and defeated the nationally ranked Royals to close out the weekend conference sweep in a 3-0 finish. With the win, the Gusties improve to 15-4 overall and 3-1 in the MIAC.
“The team was locked in,” said Head Coach Rachelle Sherden. “Followed the game plan very well and never let up on the gas pedal. Servers were aggressive, Kasie ran a balanced offense and attackers were aggressive and smart. Defense was scrappy and read well tonight. Everyone on the team did a good job of bringing the energy and responding well to lost points, which helped to prevent any long runs by Bethel. It was fun to watch and we’re excited for more tough battles on our home court next week.”
Gustavus played a dominating first set with a 12-6 opening lead, dished out a five point run, and accelerated to 25-15. Marlee Turn (So., Kennedy) set the tone, hitting .615 and putting up nine kills in the process.
The Royals were not shying away from a battle, having not lost on their home court yet this season. With an 11-6 Gustie lead in set two, Bethel responded on the attack to tie it at 18. Gustavus doubled-down on their defensive efforts with a Courtney Peterson (Jr., Jamestown, S.D.) block to regain control and finish the second set 25-22.
Looking to upset the Royals in their homecoming match, Gustavus started set three with six unanswered points and maintained a nine point advantage for the 25-16 final set.
Four Gusties recorded double digit digs in the 3-0 victory. Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester) led the team with 19 kills and eight digs, while Hailey Embacher (Sr., Mankato) notched 17 digs. Turn closed the match with a season high 15 kills, and Kasie Tweet (So., Adrian) recorded 43 assists.
The Gusties are next in action when they host Augsburg on Wednesday at 7:00 for their fifth conference match of the season.