The Piper volleyball team won a thrilling initial set but Gustavus Adolphus fought back to earn a 3-1 decision Saturday afternoon at Hutton Arena.
Gabby Robinson had 15 kills and Sydney Larson added 10 in the nearly two hour encounter that featured several long rallies, 23 tie scores and seven lead changes.
Most of that occurred in a wild first set that saw both team fight off set points in a tense 38 minute battle that ended with Hamline claiming a 33-31 win. The Gusties held off a late HU rally for a 25-23 second set win and then claimed 25-12 and 25-21 decisions to gain the win.
Megan Rubbelke had a double-double with 39 assists and 15 digs. She was one of five Pipers who finished in double digits on the back line. Maggie Gavic and Karly Bihner led the way with 19 apiece with Morgen Coleman close behind at 18. Robinson also had a double-double with 10 digs.
Kate Holtan was a strong force for the Gusties (10-8, 3-1 MIAC) with 25 Kills, 14 digs and five blocks.
Both teams presented strong front sides as well. The Gusties finished with 29 blocks and the Pipers, led by Hurrle (who had six) responded with 15.
Hamline is now 11-6 overall, 2-2 in the MIAC. They head to Augsburg (13-4, 3-2 MIAC) on Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. HU returns to Hutton Arena to host St. Scholastica (10-4) on Friday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.