Michigan loss ends Irish winning streak on the road
By RACHAEL PROTZMAN
Sports Writer
The Notre Dame volleyball team ended its road winning streak with a loss to Michigan last Wednesday while edging Rutgers and Seton Hall at home to remain undefeated in the Big East.
No. 21 Notre Dame fell hard in game one against Michigan, dropping the game 6-15.
The Irish came back to threaten the Wolverines in the second and third games. With an 11-5 lead in game two, Notre Dame allowed Michigan to back into the game at 14-12 before the Wolverines scored four points to secure the win.
The Irish were again within game point in game three at 14-11, but fell apart as Michigan took the game for the match.
"It was extremely disappointing," senior Jo Jameyson said. "It was a big learning experience for us in that we need to finish a game. We stopped playing and they beat us. When we're up, we need to finish it instead of stopping before we reach fifteen."
Junior Kristy Kreher led the Irish with 13 kills, seven digs and six blocks while Jameyson added eight kills and four blocks.
The Irish came back strong after the loss to the Wolverines as they topped the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Friday 15-6, 15-10, 15-13.
After victories in games one and two, Notre Dame got a little sloppy and the Scarlet Knights took the 7-1 lead before the Irish rallied for the win.
Kreher grabbed 14 kills, 15 digs and five blocks while senior Denise Boylan racked up 43 assists, 11 digs and three blocks.
With a win over the Seton Hall Pirates Sunday, the Irish advanced to 16-5 on the season and 6-0 in the conference. All 12 Notre Dame players not only saw court time in the match, but also marked at least one kill.
Senior Christi Girton led the team with nine kills while Kreher added seven kills and three blocks.
The Irish defense combined for 11 blocks while holding the Pirates' offense to a .000 hitting percentage in the match.
"Everybody got to play and that was positive," Jameyson said, "But we need to dominate the Big East and we could have done better."
Notre Dame will have that chance this weekend as it travels to St. John's and Connecticut for more conference action.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, October 25, 2000
