Kelly Zalinski is unfazed by her success.

Her unsurpassed individual accomplishments mean virtually nothing, for they lie in the shadows of team goals that are, she says, far more important.

When Zalinski defeated Miami's Marcy Hora for her 117th career singles victory she surpassed Jennifer Hall to take the school's all-time record in the category. Despite her sustained individual brilliance, Zalinski was far more concerned with the fact that her victory was part of a team effort that helped the Irish blow away the Hurricanes.

"Sure I'm excited about the record," she said. "But it just means more to be part of a team. Winning individually is just a part of playing hard for the team."

Zalinski played hard and played well. Her record-setting, effort gave the Irish a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish. Buoyed by the play of their senior captain, the Irish surged to a 6-3 decision over the Hurricanes.

Michelle Dasso followed her teammate's lead with a sterling straight sets win over Alanna Broderick in No. 1 singles. Nina Vaughan helped Notre Dame continue to pour it on by knocking off Katia Bogomolova, again in straight sets.

The Hurricanes, determined to at least salvage some respectability, rallied as Meredith Laughlin knocked off Becky Varnum in No. 2 singles.

Entering doubles play with the outcome of the match still in doubt, the No. 1 doubles tandem of Dasso and Varnum responded emphatically. The pair, which has been seemingly unbeatable of late, routed Hora and Bogomolova, 8-2, to seal the victory. Lindsey Green teamed with Zaliniki to win at No. 2 doubles, making Zalinski's already great day even better.

"We all played really well," Zalinksi said. "I think this sets the tone for a successful postseason run."

Miami, a fellow Big East opponent, may meet Notre Dame in next week's conference championships, and that fact was not lost on Zalinski.

"We got a good look at them," she said. "If we have to play them again, we'll be ready."

The upcoming postseason is the ultimate goal for Zalinski and the Irish, who have met with individual success this year.

"The ultimate goal is to win in the postseason," she said. "We feel we have a shot at anybody."

And that's all Notre Dame can ask for is a shot at team success. Zalinski will be the first one to tell you that records were made to be broken, but championships last forever.

• Griffin takes lessons from Notre Dame coaching clinic
  
• Men's, women's squads pad records with weekend wins