SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take home their fourth consecutive win in a row as they defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies in four sets in Purcell Pavilion (25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22).
The Irish were led by Paris Thompson and Kaylyn Winkler who finished with 16 and 12 kills, respectively. Winkler also chipped in four blocks, followed by Lauren Tarnoff and Charity McDowell who finished with three blocks apiece. Nancy Kane and Maisie Alexander also tallied three services aces apiece for the Irish. Phyona Schrader had an impressive day as she finished with eight kills, 15 digs, and 44 assists.
Set One
The Irish came out strong, claiming a 5-1 lead to start the match, but it didn’t take long for the Hokies to battle back and tie it up at 7-7. A kill from Ross sparked a 5-0 run for the Irish to take the lead 12-7, but it was tied up yet again at 15-15. While the Irish took the lead 18-15, Notre Dame had a difficult time pulling away. The Hokies brought it within two at 23-21, but a kill from Ross and a block from McDowell and Winkler gave the Irish set one 25-21.
Set Two
Notre Dame got off to 4-0 start in set two and while they were able to maintain a lead, Virginia Tech wasn’t going anywhere. The Hokies tied it up at 11-11 and the Irish responded with another 4-0 run to take the lead 15-11. At an even 19-19, Schrader sent home a kill to claim the 20-19 advantage, but the Hokies scored six straight points to close the set and win 25-20.
Set Three
The lead went back and forth with the Irish and Hokies to start set three, but it became an even set again at 15-15. A 3-0 run from the Irish, which included a Thompson service ace and Ross kill, gave Notre Dame the 18-15 advantage as they were looking to take home their second set of the night. The Hokies were able to bring it within one at 21-20, but the Irish closed set three with the final four points and took home set three 25-20.
Set Four
It was another close start for the Irish and Hokies, with neither team being able to pull away from the other. Notre Dame claimed an 11-8 lead, but a 3-0 run from Virginia Tech made it an even 11-11. A kill from Tarnoff started a 4-0 for the Irish as they took the lead again at 15-11. A service ace from Maisie Alexander extended the Irish lead to five and while the Hokies closed the gap to two at 24-22, another Tarnoff kill gave the Irish the fourth set victory.
Up Next
- Notre Dame is back on the road as they travel to No. 8 Pitt on Friday and Virginia on Sunday.