Former L-P standouts Marisa Guisti, Kamryn Olson to face each other

Marisa Guisti and Kamryn Olson have spent a lot of time on volleyball courts together.

But they’ve always been on the same side.

That will change Friday for the La Salle-Peru graduates.

Guisti’s Butler squad and Olson’s Central Michigan team will play each other at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Chippewa Invitational in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

“It’s honestly so crazy to think about because I never thought Marisa and I would be looking at each other from across the net let alone playing in a collegiate match against one another,” Olson said.

During their club days when they weren’t on the same team, Guisti and Olson have played in many of the same tournaments but have never faced each other.

Guisti said she was excited when Butler’s schedule came out because the Chippewa Invitational is allowing her to play against Olson along with former club teammate Allie Schewiller and former Sterling star Josi Borum.

“It is a really neat experience because you go from playing together then in college seeing them across the net,” Guisti said about facing Olson. “Each team scouts each other and you work really hard to beat each other. I also get to see where Kam goes to school since her team is hosting the tournament.”

The former L-P teammates, who led the Cavaliers to regional championships in each of their three years playing together, have not talked too much about the upcoming match.

“We have not said much,” Guisti said. “I think it will be a fun rivalry. I know both of us are super competitive, so that makes it more fun.”

Olson said she anticipates some talk on the court.

“When we get on the court together, there will definitely be some friendly rivalry comments thrown, at least from my side,” Olson said with a laugh.

The Chippewas started out by going 1-2 in the Bradley Tournament.

In 10 sets this season, Olson has 53 assists and 37 digs.

“(The Bradley tournament) was a learning experience for us, but I am excited to see what is to come this weekend and the rest of the season,” Olson said.

Olson said her goal for the season is for the team to win the Mid-American Conference Tournament and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

The Bulldogs also started the season 1-2 in their own Top Dawg Challenge.

Guisti, who is switched to outside hitter from middle hitter this season, has 19 kills, six digs and a pair of blocks in 10 sets this season.

“I am in a new position and working to become a consistent outside hitter,” Guisti said. “The hitters on Butler are very talented and earning a position is tough, but it makes for a fun and competitive practice atmosphere. I played in the games at our home Top Dawg tournament last weekend and had a really good time. I’m still learning and accepting my new role, but I’m looking forward to the season.”

Guisti said the Bulldogs are looking to make the Big East Conference Tournament.

“This is a tough goal, but our team is working really hard and hoping our tough preseason schedule will help us in the postseason,” Guisti said. “However, the Big East is a very tough conference. Creighton and Marquette are always good programs that are typically ranked.”

Guisti suffered a concussion in the Top Dawg Tournament, so her status for this weekend is up in the air.