Irish control Redbirds in non-conference victory
By MATT OLIVA
Sports Writer
The Notre Dame volleyball team was in control nearly the entire match last night as it defeated Illinois State in four games.
The Irish knocked off the Redbirds (13-10) with scores of 15-8, 15-8, 8-15 and 15-3.
With the victory, the Irish improved their overall record to 16-6.
The Redbirds scored the first two points of the match, but then surrendered ten unanswered points to the Irish. Notre Dame never let ISU back into the game, with ISU coming only as close as a 12-6 deficit.
In game two, the Irish continued their streak and never fell behind. After being tied at eight each, the Irish scored seven points for the win, as the Redbirds were unable to answer back.
Game three was a different story. Illinois State came out aggressively after the break, taking the early lead 7-1. The Irish were unable to regroup and get back in the game. The Redbirds were able to put the Irish away 15-8 to force a fourth game.
"They switched their lineup to get a better matchup against us," said Irish head coach Debbie Brown. "They were able to neutralize Kristi Kreher and we struggled with Mary and Denise connecting. We had a bit of a letdown, but they definitely played a bit better."
After dropping game three, the Irish came out and opened up a quick lead on the visitors. The Irish had a 10-2 lead a one point, and then easily ended the match with a 15-3 victory.
"We made some adjustments in the last game, mainly substituting Malinda Goralski for Jo Jameyson," said Brown. "Our hitting and blocking was a lot better the last game and Janie Alderete made some nice defensive plays."
The Irish finished the match with 75 kills as a team.
Christi Girton posted a game-high 19 kills, Mary Leffers added 17 kills, while Kristi Kreher and Marcie Bomhack each contributed 15 kills each. Kreher and Girton also finished with match hitting averages above .400.
Defensively the Irish outblocked their opponent 12 to seven. Girton and Kreher led the Irish with 27 digs between the two of them.
Megan O'Connell led the Redbirds on offense with 15 kills and a .351 hitting average
This Saturday Notre Dame will host Big East opponent Syracuse in their last home match of the year. The Irish are looking to remain undefeated and in first place in the Big East. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Joyce Center.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, November 4, 1999
