SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish suffered their first loss at home this season as the Irish (8-3) fell to the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals (12-1) at Purcell Pavilion on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
The Irish were led by Lucy Trump with seven kills, followed by Sydney Palazzolo with six kills. Charity McDowell recorded a team-best five blocks, while Phyona Schrader and Trump each chipped in four blocks a piece.
Set One
The Cardinals came out swinging as Louisville claimed an early 9-0 advantage over the Irish. A kill from Palazzolo stopped the run, which was followed by a McDowell and Palazzolo block to make it 9-2. The Irish had a 4-0 run to bring it within seven at 15-8, but the No. 5 Cardinals would go on to take the first set 25-12.
Set Two
It was a close set two with back and forth action as there were seven ties and two lead changes within the second set. The Irish had their best offensive production in the second as Notre Dame recorded nine kills. Tied at 7-7, the Irish would go on to take their largest lead of the set at 16-13 but the Cardinals would reclaim the advantage at 18-17. A kill from Nicole Drewnick tied it up at 18-18, but the Cardinals would close out the set with a 7-0 run to take home set two 25-18.
Set Three
Louisville carried their momentum into the third as they lead the match 2-0 and posted a 7-2 lead over the Irish in set three. A kill from Palazzolo followed by two aces from the junior outside hitter would close the gap to 8-5. The Cardinals extended their lead to 15-7, but a 4-0 run from the Irish brought it within four. Trailing 20-15, the Irish continued to try and bridge the gap, but the Cardinals would win the final set of the match 25-16 to take home the win over the Irish.
Up Next
The Irish are back on the road as they head to NC State to take on the Wolfpack on Friday, September 29.