The Irish will meet Miami (Fla.) again Friday in Miami, Fla.., after already defeating the Hurricanes, 3-1, on Oct. 18.
Notre Dame (11-14, 5-9 ACC) and Miami (Fla.) (15-9, 8-6 ACC) will square off at the Knight Sports Complex on Friday at 7 p.m.
Irish junior middle blocker Jeni Houser said the team intends to replicate its performance from the last time it faced Miami in order to capture another win.
"Our defense and blocking will remain the same as well as deep shots down the line from our outsides and right sides," Houser said. "We should also keep the same mentality to get the job done and win in three [sets]."
Last time against the Hurricans, junior outside hitter Toni Alugbue powered Notre Dame with 16 kills, and senior right side Sammie Brown recorded a double-double with 15 kills and 13 digs.
Houser said even though Notre Dame already captured a win against Miami, the Irish needed to improve upon some weaknesses Friday.
"We need to work on stopping the quick attacks from Miami's middles," Houser said. "Also just making sure we pass steady on serve receive."
The Irish had a full week of practice this week. Houser said when the team came in Monday it had a flush workout to help the team recover from a long weekend of matches.
"Tuesday we came into practice and worked on our side of the net and Wednesday we focused on Miami and watched film on their attackers and defense," Houser said.
Houser said the team will review Miami's team one last time Thursday before the match.
The Hurricanes are currently on a three-match losing streak and fell 3-1 to Florida State on Wednesday night. Yet Houser said in order to win against an ACC opponent, it is important for the Irish to focus on their own playing.
"I think the way we stop a team is honestly just by being good on our side," Houser said. "We know what we need to do in order to win. It's just a matter of each individual stepping up and performing in her specific role."
Contact Meredith Kelly at mkelly29@nd.edu
