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The St. Thomas women’s volleyball team kicked off Family Weekend by continuing its home winning streak, defeating the Macalester Scots 3-0 Friday at Schoenecker Area.

After winning the Wartburg Invitational in Iowa last weekend, the Tommies were excited to play on their home court.

“It’s awesome to play at home,” senior setter Ashley Maher said. “We’re successful on this court, and it’s such a rush playing here in front of all our fans.”

From the first serve, both teams played with high intensity. There were numerous long rallies and diving saves.

Maher believes that every conference team brings its best game against the No. 12-ranked Tommies.

“Everyone plays out of their minds against us,” she said. “There are no bad teams in the MIAC.”

Sophomore middle blocker Paige Brimeyer said the team takes conference games one at a time.

“We never look ahead at our conference schedule because the current game is the most important,” she said.

The Tommies took the first game 25-18.

In the second game, the Tommies pulled away early. Macalester took a timeout to stop the Tommie attack after falling behind 10-3, but it didn’t help much. St. Thomas scored seven unanswered points before Macalester got on the board, putting them down 17-4.

St. Thomas went on to win the second game 25-11.

While closing out conference opponents in three games has become a habit for the Tommies, Brimeyer said the team’s ability to win comes from focusing on passes.

“Coach always tells us to keep passes in the air,” she said. “If we do that, we know we can finish the plays.”

The Tommies completed the sweep by winning the third game 25-9.

Senior middle blocker Taylor Cross led the team in kills with 11, and junior defensive specialist Kaitlain Wachter led the team in digs with 13. Maher had 34 assists against Macalester.

With an 18-3 record (4-1 in the MIAC), Maher is pleased with how well the team is playing, especially with many underclassmen who have little varsity experience.

“I’m so proud of my teammates,” she said. “Everyone has stepped up and made the most of the season.”

Brimeyer said their success on the court comes from having strong friendships off the court.

“My teammates are my best friends; Tommie volleyball is a little family,” she said.

The team will face St. Catherine tomorrow afternoon on the road.

Hayley Schnell can be reached at schn3912@stthomas.edu