DUBUQUE, Iowa – Entering the early season of conference play, the Spartans welcomed the Norse of Luther College for a Wednesday night match. Coming in at 7-7 (1-1), the Spartans looked to advance over 500. A dominating performance by the Spartans proved to be too much for the Norse resulting in a 3-0 sweep for the Spartans. 

The Norse rattled off the first five points which grew into an 8-2 lead forcing the Spartans into a timeout in the opening set. Coming out of the break, the Spartans slowly started their comeback. After being down as many as seven points, the Spartans captured their first lead of the game at 22-21. Eventually the comeback was completed as University of Dubuque took the first set 26-24.

The Norse and Spartans battled back and forth during the second set. No team could separate by more than three points. The Spartans displayed a strong defensive showing thanks to digs from Katie Wright (10) and Emma Powell (10), which resulted in kills from Powell (10), Darby Hawtrey (6), and Ashlee Adler (5). The Spartans would take set two by a score of 25-20.

Similar to the second set, both teams were neck and neck early on. The Spartans maintained the lead by a small margin. Powell and Hawtrey led the Spartans to victory contributing a combined 16 kills. Setter, Kaylynn Murray led the team with 11 assists on the way to a 25-20 win.

In total the Spartans finished the evening with 42 kills, 40 assists, and 55 digs. Powell led the way for the Spartans with 20 kills, followed by Hawtrey with 12 kills. 

Up Next

The Spartans will begin their road trip to Minnesota as play St. Olaf College on Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:00 p.m. before playing in the Gustavus Triangular on Saturday Oct. 1. The Spartans will face Bethel University at 3:30 p.m. and then face off against the host Gustavus Adolphus at 5:30 p.m.