SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0-1, 0-0) draw in the season opener at Alumni Stadium against the Samford Bulldogs (0-0-1, 0-0) on Wednesday evening.
It was a strong defensive effort for both the Bulldogs and Irish with several chances for the Irish to put away the first goal of the 2026 season as they outshot Samford 21-5. Junior Annabelle Chukwu led all players with six shots on the night. Notre Dame finished with 13 corner kicks, tying their game-high for corner kicks in single-game in the 2025 season.
Junior goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica recorded her 14th career shutout in Wednesday’s season opener.
With six shots and four shots on goal in the first half, the Irish had some chances but struggled to find the back of the net. Notre Dame had an opportunity in the 42nd minute with Ellie Hodsden crossing from left to right in search of Marley Adams cutting on the back side of the box, but the pass just missed the feet of Adams.
In the second half, Chukwu’s shifty footwork led to back-to-back looks in 51st and 52nd minutes, but Samford’s clean sheet continued with another pair of saves to go towards their eight saves on the night.
The Irish had another opportunity to put a goal on the board in the 78th minute as Chukwu dished it to Bristol Kersh on the left side of the box and while Kersh was able to get a clean shot off, it was just wide left.
The Irish maintained possession for some late looks in the closing minutes, but would close out the opening match in a draw.
UP NEXT
The Irish will take on Penn State (RV) on Sunday, August 16 at Alumni Stadium at 12:00 PM. The match will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.