After opening conference play 1-1, the Notre Dame volleyball team went to California to face ACC newcomers Stanford and Cal.
Stanford
The Irish lost 3-0 to the Cardinal, going 25-22, 26-24 and 25-14, but recorded some encouraging statistics. Sophomore outside hitter Morgan Gaerte had 13 kills, being the most effective hitter with a .344 hitting percentage, while junior outside hitter Sydney Helmers followed close behind with eight kills, hitting a .304 mark. The team recorded 31 kills overall, with 31 assists: 14 from freshman setter Maya Baker and 13 from senior setter Harmony Sample. The Irish defense has improved as well since their ACC opener against Syracuse. In the back court, freshman libero Maya Evens and Helmers totaled 33 digs, while at the net Notre Dame was unstoppable, totaling 13 total blocks.
Stanford had 50 kills, with three players recording 12 each. The Stanford offense was controlled by freshman setter Logan Parks, who totaled 37 assists on the night, converting the team’s 40 total digs into butter sets for her hitters. Aside from their floor defense, Stanford shut down the Irish hitters at the net only a couple times, totaling three team blocks.
California
The Irish won 3-0 over the Golden Bears, posting 25-23, 25-17 and 25-14 sets. Notre Dame had a strong game statistically against California, but only among a few top players. Meanwhile, the Golden Bears spread out their work throughout the entire team.
Morgan Gaerte led the Irish offense with 11 kills, while freshman outside hitter Mae Kordas and Helmers followed closely with nine apiece. Notre Dame recorded 17 assists from Baker and 13 from Sample, combining for 30 total. Defensively, the Irish showed versatility in the backcourt, tallying 40 digs, led by Evens with eight and Helmers with seven. At the net, the Irish remained strong with 10 team blocks.
For California, kills were spread out between many of the players. Senior outside hitter Peyton DeJardin had the highest with nine and redshirt freshman opposite hitter Grace Agolli was the second highest at five. Agnolli was also the most efficient player on the team, hitting a .500. Other offensive standouts were senior middle hitter Mikayla Hayden and junior outside hitter Ashley Li. The offense was led by freshman setter Maria Știrbu, who had the most assists with 24, and was converting balls from an efficient defense led by junior libero Sophia Johnson. The Golden bears were also strong at the net, with three team blocks.
The Irish continue their ACC play at home on Friday against Virginia and Sunday against Virginia Tech.
