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Irish dominate Hoos, Mabrey exits with knee injury

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 7 Notre Dame (16-2, 7-1) earned a 22-point win over a visiting Virginia team (14-6, 3-6) on Sunday, 76-54. But what was a suffocating performance from start to finish was classified as a “bittersweet” victory by Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey.

Less than 2 minutes into the game, graduate senior and team heartbeat Dara Mabrey picked off the ball for a steal and went for the fastbreak bucket. In the process, she was fouled and went down holding her right knee. Mabrey remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped off the court, unable to put any pressure on the affected leg. She missed the remainder of the game.

Mabrey’s status moving forward is unknown, as she will undergo further evaluation on Monday.

“It was a little bit emotional for us, and I’m very proud of the way we responded,” Ivey said after the conclusion of Notre Dame’s fourth-straight win. “I’m proud of our grit, our poise.”

Ivey did her press conference flanked by two players, guards Sonia Citron and Jenna Brown. The former is a permanent starter who went 6-7 on the day from deep and finished with a game-leading 20 points and 9 rebounds. Citron’s six 3-pointers were a career-high. The latter came off the bench and navigated Ivey’s offense in an emotional situation. Brown’s stat line was not particularly eye-popping — 2 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists — but her readiness stuck out to Ivey.

“Obviously, it’s really hard to watch not only a teammate but a sister go down like that,” Brown said. “I was very encouraged by my teammates and how mentally tough we all stayed.”

Brown will be taking the future day by day, knowing that she may be called upon again should Mabrey be out for a while.

“It’s always better to be ready and not be called than to be called and not be ready,” Brown added.

Notre Dame will be at home once again on Thursday, as the Irish host Florida State (18-4, 7-2). The Seminoles are led by standout freshman Ta’Niya Latson, who is firmly in various player of the year conversations. Thursday’s game will tip off at 8 p.m. ET and will be televised on regional sports networks.