The St. Thomas volleyball team did not drop a set for the third consecutive match, defeating Hamline 3-0 on Sept. 28(25-15, 25-14, 25-21) and extending its winning streak to eight matches.

The Tommies (12-4 overall, 4-0 MIAC) dominated the Pipers (6-6 overall, 1-3 MIAC) for much of the first and second sets, winning both.

“We played clean and fast most of the first two sets,” St. Thomas coach Thanh Pham said. “Hamline came out on fire in the third and pushed us.”

The Pipers came to life and had a chance to end the St. Thomas sweep streak in the third set. The Tommies, down 19-17 in the third set, went on a 8-2 run to win the set and the match, keeping the winning streak and set streak alive.

St. Thomas has not lost a set since Sept. 17 against Wisconsin-Stout.

Pham liked how his team showed its no-quit mentality, but he prefers to play with a lead.

“I’m pleased with the defensive effort and smart attacking,” Pham said of his team’s run to end the match. “We need to work harder in the beginning of the set so we don’t need a comeback.”

Whitney Lloyd had a big night, leading the Tommies with 17.5 points, including 14 kills.

“Whit was a beast tonight,” Pham said, “She helped carry our offense along with Taylor (Lewis) and Ellie (Etzel.)”

Lewis and Etzel finished with 10.5 and 11 points respectively, including 10 kills each.

Abby Louwagie led the Tommies with 26 assists, while also contributing 13 digs.

Ellie Meyer had the most digs for St. Thomas with 14.

Madie Kroehler also had 11 digs for the Tommies.

Pham doesn’t want to focus on the winning streak but thinks being pushed will help the team moving forward.

“Everyone wants to beat us now but we will be ready for the (playoffs) if we get everyone’s best shot,” he said.

The Tommies next match is Sept. 30 on the road against Northwestern at 7 p.m.

Taylor Smith can be reached at smit9660@stthomas.edu.