Defensive specialist Whitney Abrahamson led a feisty defense that carried the St. Thomas volleyball team to a 3-0 victory over St. Kate’s Wednesday night to stay undefeated in conference play.

Abrahamson finished the night with 17 digs, allowing the Tommie offense ample opportunities to strike and take the Wildcats in three straight sets, 25-9, 25-19 and 25-23.

“I thought we came out really strong,” coach Thanh Pham said. “St. Kate’s made some really good adjustments and caught us off guard a little bit, but it was good to see our team fight through it.”

The Tommies won the first two sets in a commanding fashion.

“We did a really good job in the first and second set pushing it,” outside hitter Sara Atkinson said. “Whitney Abrahamson did a really great job picking up balls that she doesn’t normally get, and we just scrapped for everything.”

The ever-improving performance on the court is something the players attributed to their improved chemistry.

“I think at this point our chemistry is a lot better than it was in the beginning of the season,” Abrahamson said. “We definitely still have a few things to work out … but as long as we’re on the same page and working towards the same goal, I think our chemistry will be a lot better by the end of the season.”

After St. Thomas rolled through the first two sets, the Wildcats seemed to have made sense of the Tommies’ game plan, making for an intense third set.

“They really upped their defensive game,” Atkinson said. “I know that was frustrating for some of us hitters, but it was good that we were able to overcome it.”

Even though the Wildcats are winless in MIAC play, the Tommies did not consider them an opponent to take lightly.

“We think everyone is going to be our toughest opponent,” Atkinson said.

With a rivalry match against St. Ben’s around the corner, Abrahamson said the St. Kate’s game was no less important.

“Our philosophy is one game at a time, so we always focus on the game that’s ahead of us,” Abrahamson added. “We’re really excited for the St. Ben’s match, but we had to get through this game first.”

With the St. Kate’s game solidly in the win column, the Tommies’ focus now shifts to their matchup with the St. Ben’s Blazers.

“We’re going to need a lot of effort,” Pham said. “St. Ben’s is a great team. They’re scrappy, and they have a lot of good hitters. We’re just going to have to be mentally ready to whatever comes our way.”

A game that is highlighted on the schedule, Atkinson said the team is looking forward to it.

“St. Ben’s is always a heated rivalry, and it’s going to be a fun game,” Atkinson said. “I can’t wait for it.”

St. Thomas will host St. Ben’s at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 in Schoenecker Arena.

Scott Sikich can be reached at siki3549@stthomas.edu.