Outside hitter Jill Greenfield’s six kills and 14 digs led the No. 3-ranked St. Thomas volleyball team to a quick, three-game sweep of Macalester College in its MIAC season opener Wednesday at Schoenecker Arena.

After 10 games on the road for the Tommies (10-1 overall,1-0 MIAC), this was not only the first conference match, but also the first home game of the 2013 season.

Middle blocker Paige Brimeyer said the early non-conference games were necessary for the Tommies’ strong MIAC start.

“This was a great first conference game … it was really good to be able to win it,” Brimeyer said. “But it definitely took a lot of playing some other teams to get ready for tonight.”

The Tommies lost the first points of the first and third games, but those were the only times they’d allow the Scots to hold the lead as they quickly gained control.

St. Thomas took the first two sets 25-13 and 25-12, earning quick, consecutive points.

The Tommies dominated most of the game, scoring 42 kills and committed only 10 errors to Macalester’s 27 kills and 26 errors.

Middle blocker Kelly Foley and opposite hitter Sara Atkinson led the Tommies with 10 kills apiece, while outside hitter Nicole Potts had seven kills and outside hitter McKenna Reagan added 12 digs of her own.

Coach Thanh Pham said the key to a winning season will be the leadership of St. Thomas’ five most seasoned players.

“The success of our team is going to weigh heavily on how much our seniors can contribute,” Pham said. “And right now they’re doing a heck of a job.”

Even though the Tommies are off to a strong start, Brimeyer said there’s always room for improvement.

“I’m sure we’ll be busy at practice tomorrow,” Brimeyer said. “Even with a win we can still get better.”

Middle blocker Mackenzie Piechowski said winning a national championship can put pressure on a team the next season, but she’s not worried.

“I’m just excited to see where we can go to extend off last year,” Piechowski said. “I know this is a whole different season, but we’re starting to play to our level so early and if we play our best no one can stop us.”

St. Thomas’ next match up will be against Gustavus (6-7) 7 p.m. Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.

Molly Sigler can be reached at sigl1215@stthomas.edu.