SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The #17 Fighting Irish took on #13 Virginia on Sunday at Arlotta Stadium in a thrilling 12-10 win for the Irish.
The Irish had six different goal scorers in Madison Ahern (3), Maddie Howe (3), Jackie Wolak (2), Kasey Choma (2), Cailin Field (1) and Madison Mote (1).
Kelly Denes dominated on the draw with six draw controls for the Irish. Diana Kelly had four draw controls herself.
Bridget Deehan had a stellar day as she finished the day with 16 saves, establishing a new career high for her.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Notre Dame showed their strength when they put themselves on the board first with a 3-0 run. Ahern scored first for the Irish, and then Choma found the back of the net two minutes later. Wolak added to the Irish tally when she took a perfect pass from Ahern to set her up for a goal. Virginia wouldn’t go quietly as they ended the first quarter with one goal to set a first quarter score with the Irish leading 3-1.
The Irish continued their offensive burst when they put up 3 more goals. The quarter opened with a goal from Virginia, but the Irish would respond with a goal from Ahern for her second goal of the day. Wolak would also continue adding to the Irish tally with a goal and Maddie Howe would get on the board too with eight minutes remaining in the quarter. The Irish went into halftime after two goals from Virginia with a 6-4 lead.
Notre Dame continued their push when they went on a 3-0 run again in the third quarter. Two goals from Howe and one from Choma would push the Irish lead to 9-4. Two back to back massive saves from Deehan kept the Irish in front with only minutes remaining in the quarter. The Cavaliers did find the back of the net three times before the end of the quarter making it 9-7.
The fourth quarter opened with both teams trading possession as neither team could score. It wasn’t until the Irish scored two goals from Ahern and Madison Mote giving the Irish even more of an advantage 11-7. The Cavaliers responded with a free position goal to cut into the Irish advantage 11-8. The Irish came right back with a goal from Cailin Field to give the Irish the eventual win and final score of 12-10.
The Irish will go on the road for their next matchup at Virginia Tech on March 10. Live stats will be available and the contest will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
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