MINNEAPOLIS -- The No. 16-ranked Augsburg University volleyball team opened Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a thrilling five-set victory over defending league regular-season and playoff champion Gustavus Adolphus College on Friday night at Si Melby Hall. 

THE BASICS 
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg def. Gustavus 3-2 (26-24, 25-16, 17-25, 18-25, 15-11)
LOCATION: Si Melby Hall, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 11-2 overall (1-0 MIAC), Gustavus 7-7 overall (0-1 MIAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED 
• Augsburg struck first, claiming the first two sets, out-hitting the Gusties .278 to .086 in the first set and .314 to .161 in the second set. An injury caused the Auggies to change up their normal rotation and rhythm, allowing Gustavus to win the next two sets. However, Augsburg regained momentum in the fifth set and walked away with its first MIAC victory of the year. 
• Corrina Evans (JR, Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS) had a season-best kill effort with 16, also earning seven blocks (one solo) -- her second match this year with seven blocks. 
• Outside hitters Maddie Nierengarten (JR, Foley, Minn./Princeton HS) and Kayla Gjerde (SO, Afton, Minn./Stillwater HS), played every point in the two-hour, 19-minute match. Nierengarten collected nine kills, six digs, two block assists, two assists and a service ace. Gjerde had 11 kills, eight digs, three assists and an ace. 
• Both Izzy Barr (SO, River Falls, Wis./River Falls HS) and Lexie Lang (SO, Rochester, Minn./Mayo HS) earned dig-assist double-doubles. Barr had 14 digs and 16 assists, while Lang tallied 15 digs and 21 assists. 
• Megan Quam (SR, Kenyon, Minn./Kenyon-Wanamingo HS) made her presence known at the net with six block assists. Quam also added five kills. 

FOR THE FOES
• Kate Holtman led the Gustie offense with a match-high 16 kills. Claiming 12 kills was Sarah Elliott. 
• Kaylyn Johnston had a double-double with 13 digs and 28 assists. 

UP NEXT
• Augsburg continues MIAC play on Wednesday (9/25) at 7 p.m.m hosting Carleton College at Si Melby Hall.
• Gustavus travels to St. Olaf on Thursday (9/26) for a 7 p.m. match.