Sept. 13, 2002
The University of Notre Dame volleyball team (6-2) began its quest for the 2002 Golden Dome Invitational with a three-game victory (30-28, 30-26, 30-21) over Northwestern (4-3) at the Joyce Center on Friday afternoon. The Irish will meet Loyola College at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a key matchup with #10 Pepperdine on Saturday evening at 7 p.m..
The Notre Dame home court win streak stands at 26 matches now, as the Irish are 4-0 at home this season. Notre Dame has not lost in the Joyce Center since a three-game setback to #7 Colorado State on Sept. 23, 2000.
During the Irish winning streak at home, they have dropped just four games while winning 22 matches 3-0. Notre Dame has also won three tournament titles during the streak, including the 2000 BIG EAST Championship and the 2001 and 2002 Shamrock Invitational titles. Notre Dame is looking to add a fourth tournament title this weekend.
Junior middle blocker and opposite Katie Neff continued her hot hitting against the Wildcats on Friday. The St. Louis, Mo., native keyed the Irish offense with 11 kills on 19 swings for a .526 hitting percentage while also contributing three blocks.
Setter Kristen Kinder ran a smooth offense for the Irish, dishing out 33 assists with seven different players posting at least one kill. Sophomore outside hitter Emily Loomis was strong with 12 kills and continued her solid play at the net with five blocks (including two solo). Kristen Kinder led the Irish dig effort with nine, while her sister Jessica posted eight kills, four digs, two blocks and an ace.
Erika Lange led the Wildcats with 16 kills on .355 hitting. Lange also had six blocks in the match.
The tournament continues for all four participating teams tomorrow. Notre Dame will take on Loyola at 10 a.m., followed by the Northwestern – Pepperdine match at 12 noon. Action will continue at 5 p.m. as Northwestern and Loyola meet each other, then the Irish look to knock off the 10th-ranked Waves at 7 p.m..