Volleyball sweeps Carleton for 13th season victory

 

The 21st-ranked St. Thomas volleyball team defeated Carleton in three sets (25-11, 25-15, 25-10) Friday at Schoenecker Arena to advance its record to 13-2.

Head coach Thanh Pham liked what he saw out of his girls in their 13th victory of the season.

“They were ready for this match. I was proud of all the girls … all 17 got in tonight,” Pham said.

The Tommies got off to a controlling start, winning 13 of the first 16 points in the first set.
The quick start energized the Tommies, bringing relentless play through the entire match.

Middle Blocker Whitney Lloyd contributed eight kills to the match.

“We came in saying we want every point, regardless of the score,” Lloyd said.

Defensive Specialist Ellie Meyer led the Tommies with 15 digs. She said remaining steady and maintaining composure was the the key to their victory.

“When we can keep the ball in bounds and pass in system, it puts so much pressure on them (Carleton),” Meyer said. “That’s when they start swinging hard and making errors.”

St. Thomas looks to continue this winning formula with challenging conference competition coming up.

“We have more conference matches that are tough coming up,” Coach Pham said. “St. Olaf is next on the list and tonight’s win should help our confidence.”

The Tommies travel to Northfield Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. to face off with St. Olaf for the first time this season.

Kyle Manderfeld can be reached at mand4052@stthomas.edu.