A Few Notes from the First Two Volleyball Matches
by MPG (2024-09-04 16:13:40)
Edited on 2024-09-04 16:14:57

1. On Saturday, ND beat Villanova 3-0 and Santa Clara 3-1 in a tourney hosted by Santa Clara. On Friday, Santa Clara beat Villanova 3-1. Last year, ND beat Villanova 3-0 and lost to Santa Clara 2-3 when Villanova hosted the trio. ND should be hosting this "Catholic Challenge" event next year.

2. I saw parts of the ND matches and it was clear that some of the new recruits have had an immediate impact on ND's front row play. Neither Santa Clara nor Villanova are volleyball powers, but ND showed that they should be an improved team that can hold their own in ACC play, except when they play the three top ten teams: L'ville, Pitt, and Stan.

3. Freshmen Anna Bjork and Morgan Gaerte already look like ND's best front row players. Both are athletic and skilled. Senior Sydney Palazollo was last year's leader in every attacking category and she is still a contributor.

4. Bjork, grad transfer setter Ella Sandt, and dependable fifth year starter at libero, Hattie Monson, made the all tournament team. Gaerte would have made the team on the basis of her play vs. SCU, but she did not play vs. Nova. Senior Phyona Schrader who plays in the front row as a right side attacker and setter when she is in the back row made major contributions with her all around play.

5. The team visits Starkville, Mississsippi this weekend to play Michigan and host MSU. This higher level of competition will be a good test for a developing Irish squad. Both opponents are beatable...