Aug. 26, 2017
By Robby Hamman
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — For the second time in as many years, Notre Dame (3-0) captured the Golden Dome Invitational title by defeating New Mexico State in the final match of day two of the Golden Dome Invitational in Compton Family Ice Arena. The Irish won by a match score of 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-21).
The Irish were led offensively by Jemma Yeadon, who posted a career-best 20 kills and added 10 digs. Sydney Kuhn also finished with a double-double, recording 16 kills and 13 digs on the evening.
Three Notre Dame student-athletes were selected to the Golden Dome Invitational All-Tournament Team. Ryann DeJarld was named the Most Valuable Player. DeJarld was joined by Yeadon and Rebecca Nunge as selections.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Aggies got off to a strong start in the match, gaining an early 1-0 advantage by taking the first set 25-20. New Mexico State grabbed an early 8-7 lead and did not relinquish it the rest of the set.
The Irish responded in the second stanza by building an early four-point advantage at 11-7 off a kill from Yeadon. The Aggies fought back and took a lead in the frame at 16-15, however Notre Dame won 10 of the next 13 points to draw even with New Mexico State in the match at a set apiece. Rebecca Nunge put an exclamation mark on the frame with two kills and a block to send the Irish to the intermission even.
Notre Dame came out of the 10-minute break with momentum from winning the second set and abruptly claimed a 5-0 lead. The Irish advantage grew to as many as seven points (21-14) before the Aggies staged a late comeback push. New Mexico State made the set interesting, drawing within one point at 22-21, but Notre Dame did enough to earn a 25-23 win to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Notre Dame trailed for much of the fourth frame, as the Aggies held a 19-15 lead late in the set. The Irish came storming back, outscoring the visitors 10-2 to grab the 3-1 victory and stay perfect on the season at 3-0.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Jemma Yeadon had a match to remember on Saturday, posting a career-high 20 kills and 10 digs for her second double-double of the season. The sophomore led the Irish in hitting percentage with a mark of .273 and added a block to complete her masterful performance.
ND STAT OF THE MATCH
The Irish front line made a huge difference against the Aggies, as Notre Dame recorded 13 team blocks as opposed to New Mexico State’s six blocks. Senior Sam Fry led the defensive charge, accruing eight blocks on the evening. Fry now has 19 blocks through three matches.
McLAUGHLIN’S TAKE
On the second set turnaround…
“In game two we passed better than they did and we made no errors and they made some errors. I think we just controlled the ball better in the serve and pass and then took better swings.”
On Jemma Yeadon taking over…
“Jemma can take over a match. She is still finding her rhythm and hitting with more range but she’s going to continue to get better everyday. She was more aggressive and I could see her feeling more confident, which is a good thing.”
NOTES OF THE MATCH
- The Irish won the Golden Dome Invitational for the second straight season.
- Notre Dame has now won six straight matches in the Golden Dome Invitational, dropping just two sets in that span.
- The Irish improve to 2-0 against the Aggies in the series history.
- Ryann DeJarld finished with 20 digs. The junior has now posted 20+ digs in all three matches this season.
- Senior Natalie Johnson matched her career high in aces with three.
- Senior Sydney Kuhn notched her second double-double of the season with 16 kills and 13 digs.
GOLDEN DOME ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
(MVP) Ryann DeJarld – Notre DameJemma Yeadon – Notre DameRebecca Nunge – Notre DameOlivia Budinich – Rhode IslandBrittany Anderson – ValpoRylee Cookerly – ValpoJordan Abalos – New Mexico StateKassandra Tohm – New Mexico State
UP NEXT
The Irish hit the road for the first time this season, as the squad travels to Ohio for the weekend for the Bowling Green/Toledo Invitational. The Irish play VCU on Friday, September 1 at 11 a.m. and then face Bowling Green at 7 p.m. that evening.
To purchase tickets visit UND.com/BuyTickets.
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— ND —
Robby Hamman joined Fighting Irish Media as athletics communications assistant director in September 2016, coordinating efforts for the volleyball and men’s lacrosse program. Hamman is a 2010 graduate of Bethel College, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in sport management and business administration, and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Defiance College in 2013.