October 4, 1998

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Notre Dame women’s volleyball team moved its overall record to an even 5-5, 2-0 in the BIG EAST by beating visiting Rutgers 15-7, 15-1, 15-17, 15-7 at Joyce Center before more than 300 people.

The Irish, who extended their win-streak against conference opponents to 78, were led by junior Mary Leffers (Tampa, Fla.) who had 14 kills and just one error on .565 hitting. Freshman Kristy Kreher (Birmingham, Mich.) had a career afternoon, totaling 13 kills, seven digs and five assists for Notre Dame. Captain Lindsay Treadwell (Austin, Texas) also pitched in on offense for the Irish with 12 kills, while outside hitter Lola Opadiran and Kera Carter both had 11 kills for the Scarlet Knights.

Following Irish victories in the first two games, Rutgers built as much as a six point lead at 11-5 in the third game. Notre Dame, however, managed to hold the Scarlet Knights to only two more points and scored eight points to tie the game at 13-13. After Rutgers pushed into the lead with point number 14, the Irish were able to tie the score again with a block by sophomore Jo Jameyson (Alvin, Texas) and Leffers. A play later, Notre Dame had its first match-point of the game after Leffers and Kreher blocked another Rutgers’ hitting attempt. The Irish had two game and match points at 15-14, but the Scarlet Knights came back to score the next three points to win an exciting game three, 17-15.

In game four, the Irish regrouped. Following a tie at 4-4, the Irish took the lead for good on the serve of freshman Marcie Bomhack (Waukesha, Wis.), eventually winning the game 15-7 to wrap up the match.

The loss in game three was the first time Rutgers has ever won a game from the Irish, who moved to 5-0 in the all-time series versus the Scarlet Knights.

Notre Dame travels to Illinois State on Tuesday, October 6 for a 7 p.m. match with the Redbirds. The all-time series between the two schools is tied at 5-5, with the Irish getting the win in a five-game marathon at home last season. Overall, six of the ten matches have gone to five games since the two teams first played in 1984.