SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus volleyball team entered into Wednesday’s MIAC match against St. Catherine on a seven-match winning streak and holding a 5-0 undefeated conference record. And the Gusties were able to defend both of those marks, as they made St. Catherine their latest victim, defeating the Wildcats by a score of 3-0.
The Gusties jumped out to an early 9-2 set one lead, but the Wildcats would battle back to even the score at 10-10. After a quick regroup, the Gusties pulled away again, building their lead to 19-13 and an eventual set one score of 25-17.
Set two was a battle on both sides, with neither team taking more than a two-point lead through the first 16 points. The Gusties found their mojo, though, as they would build a lead of seven at 17-10 before sealing a 25-21 set two victory.
Set three seemed to be going in favor of the Wildcats, as they maintained the lead for the majority of the set, with the Gusties unable to top St. Catherine until their very last chance, rolling to a 25-23 victory.
Sydney Olson (Sr., Willmar) and Lauren Klaith (Jr., Rockford) led the way for Gustavus against St. Catherine, hammering out 10 kills each. Kasie Tweet (Jr., Adrian) dished out 29 helpers and 11 digs, while Maren Sundberg (Fy., Eagan) delivered a team-leading 12 digs. The Gusties also posted six service aces, with Tweet delivering three, Sundberg delivering two, and the final coming from Brynn Smith (So., Brooklyn Park).
The No. 17 Gusties, now 18-4 and 6-0 in conference play, are back home Saturday when they host Hamline for a 4 p.m. MIAC match-up.