Coming off their first win of 2015, the Irish traveled to New Jersey this weekend to participate in the Seton Hall Classic.
Notre Dame (2-4, 0-0 ACC) started off the weekend Friday night against host Seton Hall, dropping the match 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-22).
Notre Dame sophomores outside hitter Sam Fry (left) and setter Maddie Dilfer jump during a 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 28 at Purcell Pavilion.
During the Pirates' first win against the Irish in program history, Notre Dame struggled to get any offense going, as the Irish racked up just 20 kills on the night against the 53 kills accumulated by Seton Hall.
Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Kuhn led the Irish in points against the Pirates with eight. After her, junior middle blocker Katie Higgins and sophomore outside hitter Sam Fry accounted for six and a half points each on the night. Defensively, freshman libero Ryann DeJarld tallied 11 digs on the night.
Fry said the team is still working on figuring out how to play together, especially considering the amount of youth on the roster.
“We’re working really hard in practice, but it’s taking a little longer to show our skills in the game and getting used to playing together,” Fry said. “We have to keep our energy level high to get into game mode.”
On Saturday morning, the Irish dropped their second match of the weekend, this time to Temple, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-13). DeJarld, who earned all-tournament honors for her performance, shined against the Owls, as she added another 11 digs to her weekend total.
Later that night, the Irish collected their second win of the season in a tough five-set match, beating Hofstra 3-2 (26-24, 24-26, 25-20, 25-14, 15-13). Fry collected more kills against the Pride than the entire Irish offense managed against Seton Hall, recording 21 kills on her own in the match. Fry also added three service aces and five digs in the Irish victory.
Fry said the team's mentality helped the Irish get their second win on Saturday and will benefit the team going forward.
“We all have great talent, so it’s just about keeping our minds in the game and our thoughts together,” Fry said.
This weekend marked just the second tourney the Irish have played under new head coach Jim McLaughlin. There has been a bit of a learning curve this year given the team's youth and struggles in 2014, Fry said, but nevertheless, she said the players have positive impressions of their new coaching staff.
“The coaching has been consistent [between last weekend and this weekend]. In wins and losses they’re staying supportive of us,” Fry said. “There’s a lot of trust both ways.”
The Irish have a few days to rest and regroup before their home opener this weekend at the Golden Dome Invitational. Their first match of that tournament will be Friday at 7 p.m. in Purcell Pavilion against Mississippi State.
