Despite sophomore outside hitter Lauren Galvin’s 11 kills and 10 digs, St. Thomas volleyball was swept by North Dakota State Thursday at Schoenecker Arena.
St. Thomas (2-11, 0-1 Summit) kept it close in all three sets, but the Bison (8-5, 1-0 Summit) proved to be too much, extending the Tommies’ losing streak to eight games. The Tommies lost 25-20, 25-18 and 25-21.
“North Dakota State was the better team tonight, but I was very proud of how hard our team fought,” coach Thanh Pham said.
The Tommies’ defense played tough, racking up four blocks and 39 digs.
“I thought we really competed, and we were scrappy out there,” Galvin said. “I think that’s the best defense we’ve played so far.”
However, the Bison broke down the Tommies’ defense, largely due to senior setter Kelley Johnson’s 34 assists and junior outside hitter Ali Hinze’s 14 kills.
“You can’t really shut them down,” Pham said. “You can try to contain them, but they’re such good players that they were able to find the shots they wanted.”
The Tommies struggled to close out sets against the Bison’s strong offense, allowing late runs of three or more in the final few points of each set.
“There was a point in our game where we just couldn’t finish sets,” sophomore outside hitter Libby Mattila said. “I think it’s just focusing on the little things a bit harder, and that’ll bring us more wins.”
Despite the loss, the players and coaches noted the energy brought by the Tommie fanbase for the home and conference opener.
“I thought the crowd was amazing,” Pham said. “The energy that the fans provided really gave us a boost.”
The Tommies will return home to take on North Dakota at noon Saturday at Schoenecker Arena. Last season, the Tommies beat the Fighting Hawks in five sets at home.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.