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“Our offense struggled and we never really were able to take control of the match...We did not play well versus Gustavus,” said Coach Rollie.

The Pipers lost in three consecutive games, 30-25, 30-19, and 30-25. The Gusties improved their record to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in the MIAC while the Pipers record fell to 6-4 overall and 0-1 in MIAC play.

Before going head-to-head with the Gusties, Hamline had recorded 5 sweeps in their six victories. Andrea Kron and the Gusties were too much though. Kron was the backbone of the Gusties and the thorn in the side of the Pipers. Kron compiled ten kills in the victory. Gustavus had solid play from their entire team though; four other players totaled nine kills in the match.

It wasn’t the first time the Pipers were swept this year, but the box score is deceiving to anyone who wasn’t at the game. The Pipers were not completely dominated. Hamline led at several times during the match but Gustavus showed great resilience. At one point in the first game, the Pipers led 7-6 but Gustavus blew up to score 10 unanswered points. In the second game, the Pipers led 10-2 and in game three the Pipers led 5-0 before being overtaken by the cockroach-like Gusties.

The Pipers didn’t win a game in the match but some impressive play from some of their major contributors gives Piper fans something to look forward to as well as a reason to follow the team this year.

Senior Dana Luiken plays the middle for the Pipers, a critical position. She chimed in with a game-high 13 kills against Gustavus; adding to a statistical category that she already ranks third in, in the MIAC. She averages 14 kills and 2.28 aces every time she steps into the gym; not a big surprise for a player who has been racking up impressive stats since she started for the Pipers as a freshman. As a four-year starter, she now finds herself ranked sixth in Hamline’s all-time record book, with 929 kills. Luiken will have to keep it up all season for the Pipers to make a run in the MIAC this year.

“Dana is just one of our many good players,” said Coach Rollie of Lukien. “She is extremely athletic and strong. She plays hard and with a lot of confidence. It has been fun watching her grow as a player over the years. She will be one of the best middles in the MIAC this fall,” Rollie went on.

Despite the outcome, some Pipers played well against Gustavus. Setter Angie Asmus had 30 assists and Bridget Burtzel added 33 assists. Jenna Witt, also a four-year starter, carried the Hamline defense with 14 digs. Junior Shelby Hyllengren added nine kills in a loosing effort.

As their record shows, the Pipers have played well thus far into the season but, making the MIAC playoffs will be a difficult task, not just for Hamline but for everyone in the conference.

“Everyone is good in our conference...making the MIAC playoffs will be a challenge since four of the MIAC teams are ranked in the top 15 in the country but if we play well, anything can happen,” said Rollie.

St. Thomas ranked 10th, Concordia ranked 11th, Carleton ranked 13th, and St. Benedict ranked 14th in the national poll. All teams are from the MIAC. Rollie’s Pipers are not ranked nationally and they were selected 10th best out of 12 in the MIAC in the preseason coaches poll.

The Pipers didn’t lose any players to graduation last year, so the team knows what to expect from their competition this year. They will need solid contributions from everyone this year and should get it. Regardless of playoffs, they should be an interesting team to watch this year. On September 20th, the Pipers continue conference play against the Olles of St. Olaf. The game time is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in Northfield.