Sports

Staff Predictions: Oklahoma vs. Notre Dame

Recruiting: Irish impress Tranquill, extend more offers

Shedding the blocks

Nothing is new to Bennett Jackson anymore - not a different role, not a different position, not even different sports.

Women's Interhall: Dietzel leads Cavanaugh to win

Cavanaugh 20, Badin 0

Close calls

In Saturday's 17-13 win over Michigan State, No. 22 Notre Dame squeaked out its 10th win in the last 11 games in contests decided by less than a touchdown.

Three-man rotation at inside LB yields success

Grace. Fox. Calabrese.

Head-to-Head: Oklahoma vs. Notre Dame

Hefferon: Nobody wins in cupcake games (Sept. 25)

My mom is the best. Known fact.

SMC Volleyball: Belles fall to Hope and Calvin

The Belles faced one of their toughest stretches of the season this weekend when they took on the two top-ranked teams in the country.

ND Women's Interhall: Flag football kicks off

Pasquerilla West 6, Cavanaugh 0 A fourth-quarter interception on second-and-goal by senior defensive back Maria Harmon all but sealed Pasquerilla West's victory Sunday as the Purple Weasels beat Cavanaugh 6-0. The game remained scoreless for most of the first half, with the teams trading fruitless possessions. Pasquerilla West (1-0) went three-and-out on its first two possessions before reaching the end zone on the third on a four-yard rushing touchdown by senior captain and quarterback Rachel Rogers to go up 6-0 just before halftime. Weasels senior captain and linebacker BreeziToole said her team's win represented the culmination of hard work by both rookies and veteran players. "We put a lot of time in," Toole said. "We have a lot of young players, young talent, so it was really about preparing them, and I think the vets stepped up to help them out." The Cavanaugh offense made plays, with junior quarterback Samantha Flores consistently finding receivers freshman Aly Anton and junior Olivia Dietzel. The Chaos (0-1-0) struggled in the red zone, however, where Flores threw two interceptions, including the decisive pick by Harmon. According to senior captain and linebacker Meaghan Ayers, Cavanaugh needs to work on its communication and chemistry. "I think it's really just learning to play together, getting used to each other," she said. "We have a little bit of a young team, so we'll get there, I think, and we have a lot of strengths we'll build upon as the season goes on." Both teams play again Tuesday night, when the Chaos face Badin, and the Weasels set their sights on a second victory against rival Pasquerilla East. Contact Mary Green at mgreen8@nd.edu Pangborn 28, Walsh 0 Pangborn made a statement in its opening game against Walsh on Sunday, beating the Wild Women 28-0.   Pangborn's offense, starring junior quarterback Caitlin Gargan, led the team to victory. The Phoxes (1-0-0) scored off of a Gargan run on their first play of the game and never let up. "We knew what we wanted to do and we came out and executed it," senior Pangborn co-captain Mary Kate Veselik said. Gargan said the extra-point conversions really helped to clinch the win for the Phoxes.   "A lot of times we don't convert after the touchdown and it really comes to bite us," Gargan said. "But today we converted on all of those and it was helpful." Veselik said the Phoxes' defense was also crucial to the team's victory, recording a shutout in the game. As the game progressed, Walsh (0-1-0) began to find its stride, and the team came out stronger in the second half. The defense allowed only one touchdown and the offense set up a few scoring opportunities for the Wild Women. However, the efforts were not enough to make up for the large deficit sustained in the first half. "I think our starting quarterback did well and our defense played great today, but we need to work on our formations and get our routes down before our next game," Walsh junior co-captain Maggie Fisher said. Both teams faced quick, one-day turnarounds, as Pangborn took on Welsh Fam last night while Walsh played Ryan at the same time. Contact Alexandra Lane at alane2@nd.edu Howard 13, Welsh Family 6 Howard started off its flag football season on a good note Sunday, defeating Welsh Family 13-6. Welsh Family (0-1-0) had a quick start, forcing the Ducks (1-0-0) to turn the ball over on downs at the 1-yard line in their first possession. On the first play of the Whirlwinds' ensuing possession, sophomore running back Brie Custis scored a long touchdown to put Welsh Family up 6-0. In the second half, Howard senior quarterback Clare Robinson completed a pass to junior receiver Claire Kozlowski for a touchdown, followed by a Robinson rush for the extra point. The Ducks then added to their lead with a second Robinson touchdown run near the end of the game following two interceptions by Howard defenders. Robinson said she attributed the win to team energy and chemistry. "We've shaped up pretty well," she said. "Every single person on the team played. It was great just to see that there was no one position that belonged to one person. We made the offense and defense work with everyone in every position." Despite the loss, Welsh Family senior captain StephLobaccaro said she is optimistic about the rest of the season. "Honestly, I think we really did very well," she said. "We had a couple of tough breaks on offense, not connecting with some of the passes. Hopefully for next game, we'll actually get those connections and it'll be really good." Welsh Family had a quick turnaround, playing Pangborn on Monday, while Howard next plays Walsh on Sunday. Contact Renee Griffin at rgriffi6@nd.edu Lyons 32, Badin 6 In an intense, season-opening battle, Lyons defeated Badin, 32-7, on Sunday at the LaBar Practice Complex. The Lions (1-0-0) set the tone from the start when freshman receiver Taylor Sears scored on a 45-yard run. In total, Lyons scored 19 unanswered points in the first half. Lions senior captain Christina Bramanti said the fast start provided a momentum boost. "We scored right away and everyone just got so excited," Bramanti said. "The fact that we started off the game very strong was huge because we had that momentum going from the beginning and we were never in a position where we had to catch up." Down by 19, the Bullfrogs (0-1-0) attempted to break Lyons' momentum with a touchdown before halftime. But the Lions answered quickly in the second half, scoring 13 more points to put away Badin. Sears proved to be a crucial player for the Lions with three interceptions and 18 total points to her name. "Offensively [Sears] had some great receptions and defensively she had a handful interceptions," Bramanti said. "She went after the ball, never shying away, and took care of business." While the Bullfrogs had a hard time keeping up with Sears and the rest of the Lions, Badin sophomore quarterback Kristina Techar also said the loss was a result of insufficient practice time. "The Lions had some really talented girls. We also hadn't really practiced and a lot of the girls that were on offense hadn't really run any of the plays before," Techar said. Lyons hopes to continue its success Sunday against Pasquerilla West, while Badin attempts to recover against Cavanaugh on Tuesday at Riehle Fields at 7 p.m. Contact Megan Winkel at mwinkel@nd.edu Pasquerilla East 19, Farley 6 After a evenly-matched first half, Pasquerilla East was able to pull away and secure a 19-6 victory over Farley on Sunday at the LaBar Practice Complex.     The first half was a battle between the defenses, with both sides holding each other in the red zone on multiple occasions. The Pyros (1-0-0) and the Finest (0-1-0) exchanged drives down the field, only to be stopped by the other. After a scoreless first half left, Pasquerilla East was able to blow open the second half with two big runs from senior running back KiahSchaefbauer and an interception returned for a touchdown by junior safety Elizabeth Zolper. "In the second half, we got into our rhythm and things started grooving," Pyros senior captain Caroline Kuse said.  "Although the score was tied, I was overall confident in our players, our strategy and that the big plays would come with time."   Schaefbauer was able to find holes in the defense leading to two touchdown runs of over 30 yards.   Farley did intercept a pass, but the Finest were unable to capitalize. Zolper, meanwhile, was able to convert her interception off Farley sophomore quarterback Kaitlin Smith's pass into a touchdown, giving the Pyros a swing in momentum. Kuse was confident her team's athleticism would provide an advantage. "We've got a couple of girls who can run like antelope," Kuse said. Farley mounted a late rally, but the three big plays  -  Schaefbauer's touchdown runs and Zolper's pick six - were all it took to lead Pasquerilla East to victory. The Finest managed to score a touchdown in the closing moments, but the Pyros held on for the 19-6 win. Pasquerilla East will look to collect its second victory Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Pasquerilla West at Riehle Fields, while Farley squares off with Badin on Sunday. Contact Eric Richelsen at erichels@nd.edu Ryan 40, McGlinn 0 In a rivalry game, Ryan overpowered reigning champion McGlinn from the opening kickoff and defeated the Shamrocks, 40-0, on Sunday at the LaBar Practice Complex. The Wildcats (1-0-0) were firing on all cylinders from the start as they intercepted the ball on McGlinn's first play from scrimmage. Ryan freshman defensive lineman Shawn Hall returned the interception -  the first of five for the Wildcat defense  -  for a touchdown. While McGlinn's offense struggled to put together any sort of drive due to the interceptions, Ryan's offense rolled behind freshman quarterback Kathleen Conaty, who said she impressed even herself in her first game by running for one and passing for another three touchdowns. "Although I had a few jitters at the beginning of the game, once I had a few plays under my belt I was fine and I am really pleased that we came away with the win," Conaty said. Wildcats senior captain and offensive lineman Andrea Carlson said she was also very pleased with her team's performance. "This was a huge game for us today as we lost to McGlinn last year and they went on to win the championship," Carlson said. "So we are feeling very positive about our prospects for the rest of the season." Despite the loss, McGlinn senior co-captain and cornerback KaitlynKeelin said she was confident the Shamrocks (0-1-0) could bounce back next game, "We definitely have some stuff to practice on, but we have a really talented group of girls who can play a wide variety of positions, so I'm not concerned," Keelin said. "The transition into the season will just take time." Ryan hopes to build on its excellent start Monday against Walsh, while McGlinn will try to return to its championship level of play Sunday against Welsh Family. Contact Cornelius McGrath at cmcgrath2@nd.edu

SMC Golf: Belles return to The Medalist

Saint Mary's will begin the heart of its schedule when it opens MIAA play against Albion today at 1 p.m. at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall, Mich. Though the Belles will only compete against the Britons, all nine conference schools will be at the 18-hole jamboree and will be paired to play against one or two other teams. Five golfers will take the course for each squad, with the lowest four scores counting toward the overall total. Belles coach Kim Moore said senior Paige Pollak, junior Janice Heffernan, sophomore Sammie Averill and freshmen Courtney Carlson and Ali Mahoney will hit the links for Saint Mary's in the conference-opening match. The Belles played at The Medalist on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 in the Olivet Labor Day Tee-Off, where Saint Mary's took third place out of eight teams. Moore said her team's recent trip may help but the familiarity does not necessarily create an advantage over Albion, who did not compete in the Olivet tournament. "I think we definitely have some familiarity with most of our players at that course," Moore said. "I think the majority of teams in our conference have played that course, so I wouldn't say it would be an advantage. But it is nice to be able to know the layouts and know the holes." The Britons played at The Medalist the weekend of Sept. 6 at the Olivet Invitational, in which the Belles did not compete, so this match marks the first head-to-head play between the two teams this season. Sophomore Celine McClimans leads Albion, which last played Friday at the Scottie Invitational in Alma, Mich., where the team finished in fourth place out of four teams. McClimans shot an 88 in that tournament, the team's low benchmark for the season. With the Britons improving as their season progresses, Moore said it is important for the Belles to keep getting better with each tournament as well. "I'm looking forward to the team playing well," she said. "I think it'll be definitely nice if we do win, but I'm looking for a more overall team performance, and if that's a win, great, and if that's second place, third place, fourth place, that's great, too." Saint Mary's will take the course against Albion today in the conference-opener at 1 p.m. at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall, Mich. Contact Mary Green at mgreen8@nd.edu  

Men's Interhall: Week one begins

Alumni 3, Knott 0 Alumni defeated Knott 3-0 in a season-opening matchup Sunday at Riehle fields that came down to a last-minute field goal. Defense was crucial from the starting whistle, as Knott senior Jake Wrigley intercepted the ball at the beginning of the game. "We intercepted the first play of the game and that really got the momentum going," Alumni senior captain Jeffrey Kraemer said. The Juggernauts (0-1-0) and the Dawgs (1-0-0) traded possessions throughout the first half, but neither team was able to put points on the board. Knott's defense finished off the half with a sack on Alumni freshman quarterback Trevor Hurley shortly before the whistle blew for halftime. In the fourth quarter, Alumni had the chance to score the first points of the game with a field goal, but a high snap resulted in a fumble, which Knott recovered. Alumni junior kicker Ryan Buckley converted a second field goal attempt into three points with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter to give the Dawgs the game's only points and the win. Despite the defeat, Knott senior captain James Hodgens said he feels confident about the potential his team displayed. "We're a young team, but we're going to be good down the stretch," Hodgens said. "I'd love to win, obviously, but I saw some good things out there and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season." Alumni will look to continue its success when the Dawgs take on Duncan at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at Riehle Fields. Knott will attempt to bounce back from defeat against its next opponent, Siegfried, at the same time and day at Riehle. Contact Christina Kochanski at ckochans@nd.edu Fisher 3, Carroll 3 In game that lived up to its rivalry hype, the hard-fought defensive battle between Fisher and Carroll finished in a 3-3 tie. Fisher's (0-0-1) offense dominated the game with its rushing attack, which featured senior quarterback Joe Paggi and junior running back Cam Roberson, who gave Carroll (0-0-1) a tough time in the first half. Carroll found a way to stop the run in the second half, yielding only a field goal in two Fisher trips to the red zone. However, Carroll struggled on the other side of the ball for the entire game as the Vermin entered the red zone just once. They evened the score on that trip with a field goal. Two Carroll interceptions thrown in the second half also hindered the Vermin from getting into an offensive rhythm and scoring, with one of those turnovers occurring with less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter. Fisher junior captain Matthew Nagy said that he was satisfied with how his defense stopped Carroll but knows his team's offense needs to adjust to compete for a championship. "Our defense was really good," Nagy said. "[Offensively,] I don't think we came out ready to play. Next game we just need to make sure we're ready." Carroll senior captain Michael Russell said he was proud of the way his team played. "[We] did a great job stopping the run and holding [Fisher] to three points," Russell said. "The two goal line stands against Fisher's offense was a real big win for us." Both teams will look to earn their first wins next week when Fisher plays Sorin at 3:30 p.m. at Riehle Fields and Carroll takes on St. Edward's at the same time. Contact Manny De Jesus at mdejesus@nd.edu          St. Edward's 15, Zahm 6 St. Edward's came from behind to defeat Zahm 15-6 in both teams' season-opening contests Sunday. The Zahmbies (0-1-0) started out the game well, possessing the ball for the entirety of the first quarter en route to a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Tim Coen racked up 39 passing yards and a touchdown on the opening drive and finished with 101 yards through the air. After a relatively quiet second quarter, the Gentlemen (1-0-0) came out with all guns blazing in the second half, scoring 15 unanswered points to get the win. A 32-yard field goal from senior kicker Bryce Persichetti put St. Edward's on the board in the third quarter but the Gentlemen won the game in the fourth. Senior quarterback Paul Martin-Rodriguez marched the ball down the field to deliver a 19-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Michael Ahlers before the Gentlemen sealed the victory with a 25-yard scamper to the end zone by senior running back Frank Soler. "It was really good to get out here and play with the guys," Ahlers, who finished on the end of 56 of Martin-Rodiguez's 105 passing yards, said. "All of our offseason workouts prepared us well and it showed in the second half to get the win." Zahm captain and senior linesman Joseph Rice said he was pleased with his team's performance despite not picking up the win. "We played really hard, and after losing our rector last week, we're trying to come out here and give it all we've got to help bring the community together," Rice commented. St. Edward's will be back in action Sunday against Carroll at Riehle Fields while the Zahmbies are off until Oct. 6 when they play Sorin. Contact Alex Carson at acarson1@nd.edu

SMC Soccer: Squad battles Hope to draw, preps for Albion

Saint Mary's seems to have gotten the wake-up call coach Michael Joyce said it needed, playing undefeated Hope to a 1-1 draw in double overtime Saturday at home. "I think the [4-0 loss Sept. 14 against] Alma showed us what not to do," Joyce said. "We focused in practice and were able to stick to our game against Calvin [on Wednesday in a double-overtime, 0-0 tie]. Against Hope, we got even sharper. We're headed in the right direction now for sure." The Flying Dutch (7-0-1, 4-0-1 MIAA) had come into the matchup on a seven-game-winning streak to start their season, having outscored their first four conference opponents 13-2. Hope got off to a quick start against the Belles, scoring in the sixth minute off a corner kick to take a 1-0 lead. Saint Mary's (2-4-2, 0-2-2) came right back, though, with multiple opportunities to equalize during the first half. In the 29th minute, junior forward Kelly Wilson had a look inside the 18-yard box, but her shot trickled by the far post. Senior captain and midfielder Mollie Valencia followed up with another scoring chance in the 37th minute, but her free kick from just outside the 18 sailed over the crossbar. Coming out of halftime, Saint Mary's controlled possession but was unable to capitalize on any chances until the 56th minute when, on what was already the Belles third corner kick of the half , senior forward Kaitlin Teichman drilled a low cross into the box. Freshman defender Emily Rompola snuck a shot inside the near post to tie the match at one. Saint Mary's continued to control possession for the remainder of the second half. Still, other than a dangerous cross from Belles sophomore forward Maggie Wenzel in the 57th minute that was left untouched, both teams went quietly into overtime. Despite facing six shots in the extra time, Belles junior goalkeeper ChanlerRosenbaum and the rest of the Saint Mary's defensive unit held firm until the final whistle. Rosenbaum finished with only two saves - a total dwarfed by the 13 shots she stopped against Calvin on Wednesday - but Joyce was still impressed with her play in goal. "Chanler is on top of her game for sure," Joyce said. "She's been spectacular. Our defenders were outstanding, too, especially [juniors] Mary Kate [Hussey] and Kerry Green. ... We're finally back to where we were last year defensively, just took a little longer than we wanted." The Belles now turn their attention to their matchup Tuesday against what Joyce called a "much improved" Albion squad. Joyce said although Saint Mary's is coming off a challenging portion of the schedule and it defeated Albion twice last season by a combined score of 11-1, the Belles cannot take the Britons (2-6-0, 0-5-0) lightly. "It will be a challenge for our players to forget last year and be ready for a solid opponent," Joyce said. "I expect us to come out with the same intensity we left the Hope game with." The Britons are coming off a 5-1 loss to Calvin on Saturday. Saint Mary's and Albion take the field Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at Albion. Contact A.J. Godeaux at agodeaux@nd.edu  

Men's Golf: Irish hang in sixth

The Irish finished a sunny first day of the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic in sixth place on their home course with a score of 585. Houston University leads after Day One with a score of 565, followed by Georgia Southern with a score of 575 and Michigan State with a score of 578. Other teams participating in the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic include Yale, College of Charleston and Davidson College. Freshman Matt Rushton leads the Irish with a total score of 144. On the par-71 Warren Course, Rushton shot a three-above par 74 in his first round, and a one-below par 70 in his second round. Rushton is currently tied for 15th place. "Matthew [Rushton] continues to impress. He seems perfectly comfortable competing in a very competitive environment," Irish coach Jim Kubinski said. Junior Patrick Grahek and Senior Niall Platt are tied for 19th. They both shot a total score of 146. Grahek, who is competing as an individual golfer, shot a one-below par 70 in his first round and a five-above par 76 in his second round. Because Grahek is golfing as an individual, his scores will not count toward the overall Irish team score. Platt shot a three-abovepar 74 in his first round and a one-above par 72 in his second round. Freshman Blake Barens led the Irish going into the second round with a score of 72, yet fell behind substantially after scoring a 10-above-par 81 in the second round. Barens had trouble on the 10th hole, shooting a double-bogey. "Blake [Barens] has great ability," Kubinski said. "He simply needs a little more experience, to improve his ability to stay confident and positive regardless of results." Although the Irish are currently sitting in sixth place, Kubinski said the team is not far out of the running. "We're only 10 [strokes] out of second [place], so a strong round tomorrow will make for a successful week," Kubinski said. "The Irish just need to come into the round feeling comfortable in the environment. The talent is on our roster." The Irish will continue competing in the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic on Tuesday on Warren Golf Course, starting with a tee time of 9 a.m. Contact Meredith Kelly at mkelly29@nd.edu  

Alternate History: Aaron Carter

"If Aaron Carter can do it, anybody can do it." - Kobe Bryant, shortly after the release of "That's How I Beat Shaq," spurring his Walter White-esque spiral from supporting player on Shaquille O'Neill's NBA championship Los Angeles Lakers to his eventual blackhat fate as the one-legged anchor of the most embarrassing Lakers performances since Rick Fox's acting career.

ND Volleyball: Notre Dame finishes as tournament runner-up

After defeating North Dakota State, 3-1, on Saturday, the Irish closed out the Kansas Invitational in Lawrence, Kan., with a pair of 3-1 losses to Georgia and Kansas to finish the tournament 1-2. 

Men's Golf: Confident Irish prepare to host Gridiron Classic

Notre Dame returns home to the friendly confines of the Warren Golf Course this week, as it plays host to the eighth annual Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic Monday and Tuesday.

ND Women's Soccer: Von Rueden stars

Playing on the road in front of more than 3,500 fans against the No. 1 team in the country, No. 7 Notre Dame needed to score early and seize the momentum against North Carolina on Sept. 15. Naturally, sophomore right back Brittany Von Rueden stepped up and delivered a spot-on cross that freshman midfielder Morgan Andrews headed past the Tar Heel defense for the game-winning goal in the 22nd minute. Four days later, the Irish (7-1, 3-0-0 ACC) were again locked in a scoreless tie, this time at home against Syracuse. With less than 10 seconds left, Andrews sent a free kick into the box that Orange goalkeeper Brittany Anghel punched out. Von Rueden, once again in perfect position, headed the ball to junior center back Sammy Scofield, who scored and gave the Irish the win.  Assists from Von Rueden are a common occurrence. As a freshman, she led the squad with seven, and in just eight games this year Von Rueden has amassed four helpers, good for second on the team. Ask her, though, and she gives all the credit to her teammates and coaches. "[Against North Carolina], we had our game plan and we executed," Von Rueden said. "It was just movement from our midfield back to me and Morgan getting in and doing her job. It wasn't a personal achievement, it was about taking it to them as a team." In addition to her assists, Von Rueden is also a vital cog in an Irish defense that coach Randy Waldrum has called one of his best ever. Through eight games, Notre Dame has allowed only four goals and posted four shutouts. "We play as a team," Von Rueden said. "We're not a backline of individuals. If anyone messes up, there's always someone there to cover for her. Everyone is very supportive and we just focus on the game plan our coaches give us. Really, we move together as a line, and that's what helps us defend well." As good as Von Rueden and her teammates are on the field, they are just as close off it. One need not look further than the team Twitter and Facebook pages, which are full of their antics, for confirmation. "Everyone gets along great, on and off the field," Von Rueden said. "On the field, we hold each other accountable, but off it, back in the locker room, everyone gets along and it's really fun to hang out. I think that strong team chemistry is definitely something you need to compete on a high level." Individually, the Mequon, Wisc., native has been a regular on U.S. youth national squads since she was 14. In the future, Von Rueden's ultimate goal for her soccer career is to make the women's senior national team. For the present, she spends her summer playing in the Elite Clubs National League, one of the top youth club soccer leagues in the country. "It's high competition against other clubs around the nation that have extremely good players," Von Rueden said. "It fuels me to get better and helps me to improve on things I need to work on. It's very important so I can keep the right mindset over the summer and come into the season ready to win right away." As for the season ahead, Von Rueden doesn't care about personal accolades as long as the team is playing for another title. "I'd like to lead the team in assists again," Von Rueden said. "But really what we all want is to win the national championship obviously." Von Rueden and the Irish next play Thursday at Alumni Stadium at 7 p.m. against Maryland.

ND Women's Golf: Irish claim seventh in Tennessee

Notre Dame held its own this weekend against a tough field at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn., as the Irish finished seventh out of 17 teams.

Hadley: NCAA needs to face the music (Sept. 23)