ST. PETER, Minn. – The Carleton volleyball team was swept 3-0 by Gustavus Adolphus College in a non-conference match during the opening night of action at the Gustavus Classic. Junior Kelly Lovett (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) led all players with 11 kills. Senior right-side attacker Sarah Halls (Edina, Minn.) added six kills and two blocks.
The Knights (2-2) were unable to maintain a strong start offensively. After recording a .280 attack percentage in the opening set, Carleton hit only -.037 over sets two and three with 16 kills and 19 errors in 76 attempts.
Defensively, Carleton posted 42 digs, including a match-best 20 by libero Laura Barsness (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North).
Gustavus (5-3) got 10 kills apiece from Janey Helland and Olivia Warren as the Gusties won by scores of 25-21, 25-14 and 25-20.
In the opening set an ace from Erin Anderson (So./Bloomington, Minn./Kennedy) brought Carleton within a point at 19-18, but the Gusties closed the set with a block by Warren and Angela Ahrendt.
With the second set tied 7-7, Warren recorded consecutive kills to jumpstart an 18-7 burst by the Gusties to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
It appeared the Knights were playing their way back into the match by starting the third set with an 11-2 advantage. Gustavus closed the set and the match with a 23-9 run.
Beth Jarrett (Jr./Mounds View, Minn./Irondale) had 16 assists with Hannah Folz (Fy./Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township) adding seven assists.
The Knights have a pair of matches scheduled for day two of the Gustavus Classic. They will face Martin Luther College at 10:00 a.m. followed immediately by a 12 p.m. contest against the University if Wisconsin-River Falls.
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