Sept. 9, 2000
The Notre Dame volleyball team (3-2) lost its second consecutive match in the 2000 adidas Invitational Saturday, to #3 UCLA in three games (15-7, 15-17, 17-15). The Irish fought back to a game-point situation (14-8) in game three, but the Bruins outscored Notre Dame 9-1 to earn the match victory.
Junior Kristy Kreher led the Irish offense with 15 kills and nine digs. Senior setter Denise Boylan added five kills, five digs, two blocks and 29 assists.
The Irish were unable to overcome the powerful hitting of Bruin OH Kristee Porter, who tallied 23 kills and 12 digs. Elisabeth Bachman and Ashley Bowles each added 10 kills for the third-ranked Bruins.
Notre Dame received a lift off the bench from two freshmen during the match. Kim Fletcher and Jessica Kinder combined for six kills, eight digs and two aces. Kinder and Fletcher were in the line up when the Irish pushed the Bruins to the brink in game three.
The adidas Invitational will wrap up Sunday, Sept. 10, when #3 UCLA meets #4 Nebraska at 12:30 p.m., followed by #22 Notre Dame versus #16 Michigan State at 3:00 p.m.