Oct. 18, 2014
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame volleyball team proved to be its own worst enemy Friday night against Clemson, as the Irish committed 15 service errors in a 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 28-26) loss to the Tigers in front of 1,153 fans at Purcell Pavilion.
While the Tigers (14-5, 3-3 ACC) certainly proved potent on offense – especially in the first two sets – the Irish didn’t help themselves out, as several rally attempts fell victim to the service error. The 15 errors were the most since the Irish totaled the same amount against Marquette Sept. 29, 2012 in a five-set loss and the most in a three-set match since they had 15 in a 3-0 setback to Colorado Sept. 7, 2002.
Clemson took full advantage of the Irish miscues, as it looked solid at the net for much of the night with 10 blocks on defense and attack percentages that ranged from .417 in the first set to .300 in the second.
Giving the Irish fits was 6-6 grad student Haleigh Hampton, who totaled nine kills (.571 A%) and three blocks. Sophomore Leah Perri pounded home a match-high 11 kills, while senior Kristin Faust had nine kills, nine digs and four blocks. Four different student-athletes recorded three or more blocks for the Tigers.
Notre Dame had a tough time on offense, as it hit .075 for the match – including -.111 in the first set – with 31 kills and 23 errors in 107 attempts.
Freshman Sam Fry totaled six kills, three blocks and a service ace, grad student Nicole Smith had six kills and four digs and sophomore Katie Higgins posted five kills (.364 A%) and a block. Senior Jeni Houser led the Irish with seven kills, two service aces and three blocks.
The match featured 26 ties and 12 lead changes, with the majority coming in a thrilling final frame that saw the Irish hold set point twice. Notre Dame totaled eight service errors in the last set.
Notre Dame gets back in action at 1 p.m. Sunday, as it welcomes Boston College to Purcell for its annual Block Out Cancer match. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to cheer on the Irish against the Eagles (8-9, 3-3 ACC).
More information on the Block Out Cancer match will be posted to UND.com Saturday morning. Follow the Irish on Facebook (/NDVolleyball), Twitter (@NDVolleyball) and Instagram (NDVBall) for sneak peeks at the jerseys the Irish will wear Sunday.
–Russell Dorn, Assistant Media Relations Director
–ND–