Nov. 6, 2016
By Robby Hamman
DURHAM, N.C. — The Irish were unable to complete the season sweep of the Blue Devils on Sunday afternoon, as Notre Dame (19-7, 10-4 ACC) dropped a four-set decision to Duke (18-6, 12-2 ACC) in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The loss is just Notre Dame’s second of the season away from Purcell Pavilion.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish had a slow start on Sunday, as the squad was defeated by a score of 25-18 in the opening frame. The Blue Devils kept the pressure on Notre Dame in the second, as it jumped out to a six-point lead at 10-4 and went on to with the set by a mark of 25-15 to take control of the match at 2-0.
Trailing 11-5 in the third set, the Irish woke up and began to claw their way back into the frame. Late in the third Notre Dame leveled the score at 23-23 and then outlasted the hosts in a 26-24 win to make the match score 2-1 in favor of Duke. However, the Blue Devils immediately regrouped and took the fourth set in a 25-11 decision to win the match 3-1.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Ryann DeJarld continued her impressive play at the libero position for the Irish, as the sophomore produced a team-high 23 digs to anchor Notre Dame defense. The sophomore now has recorded 20+ digs in 10 matches this season.
NOTES OF THE MATCH
- The Blue Devils lead the Irish in the all-time series 8-5.
- The Irish are now 11-2 when playing away from Purcell Pavilion this season.
- Notre Dame dropped the first set for just the second time in its last 14 matches.
- Sam Fry led the Irish with nine kills.
- Taylor Zwickl recorded a season-high 21 assists.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame remains on the road, as the Irish travel to Louisville to take on the Cardinals at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
To purchase tickets visit UND.com/BuyTickets.
— 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.