The Women’s Volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. This was its 14th game of the season. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Junior middle blocker Grace Bordson goes in for the kill. Carleton attempted to volley the shot but missed. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
The team gathers to celebrate a point. The loud chants of their teammates kept the starting squad going as the Tommies points began to surpass those of Carleton. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
First-year setter Hannah Schwartz sets up the shot for her teammate. Junior Julia Spacek took the opportunity to kill the shot and win a point for the Tommies. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
First-year setter Hannah Schwartz serves the ball to the other team. She was the only first-year student on the starting squad against Carleton. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Sophomore attacker Natalie Tomhave spikes the ball towards Carleton. They were unable to defend the hit resulting in a point for the Tommies. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
Seniors Grace Duffy and Ellie Etzell team up to block a shot from Carleton. With the end of the set drawing near, they were determined to finish strong. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
The Tommies are overjoyed as they shake hands with the Carleton after winning the match. This was their 13th win of the 2017 season. (Esmee Verschoor/ TommieMedia)
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.