SAINT PETER, Minn. - For the third consecutive season, Gustavus will play in the MIAC playoff championship after a decisive 3-0 win over St. Catherine in the semifinals Thursday. Gustavus will match up with St. Olaf at 7 p.m. Saturday for the conference title and an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Championships.
The first set went back and forth early until the Gusties an 11-3 run for a 16-9 lead. Two kills from
Lauren Klaith and a pair of service aces by
Maren Sundberg closed out the set 25-14. Gustavus rolled its momentum into the second with a quick 5-1 lead out of the gate and never relinquished the advantage in a 25-20 win.
The third set proved to be the most competitive with seven lead changes. Two Wildcat attack errors late in the set tied the score 22-22. The visitors regained the lead with a kill but the Gusties rattled off the final three points on two kills from
Sydney Olson and a Wildcat attack error for a 25-23 decision.
Gustavus hit .225 on the attack, let by Olson with a .429 hitting percentage, including six kills and no errors on 14 attempts. Klaith led the offense with 15 kills and posted a .333 attack rate.
Kasie Tweet had 35 assists and three service aces, while
Maren Sundberg added 28 digs and four aces.
