CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In its first sweep over an ACC opponent since 2019, the Virginia volleyball team (10-11, 2-8 ACC) recorded 16.0 total blocks in its 27-25, 25-19, 25-19 win over Notre Dame (9-11, 4-6 ACC) at Memorial Gymnasium Sunday afternoon (Oct. 23). The Cavaliers’ 16.0 blocks are good for No. 2 all-time in program history among three-set matches.
The win snapped the Fighting Irish’s five-match winning streak in the series and marked UVA’s first win over Notre Dame since 2016.
Virginia was led by middle blocker Abby Tadder, who tied for a match-high eight kills, hit .429 and posted a match-high eight blocks, including a career-best three solo. Outside hitter Grace Turner also had eight kills and chipped in four blocks and nine digs. Middle blocker Veresia Yon accounted for seven blocks – her season high – and ripped six kills on 12 swings.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first set featured 10 tied scores and three lead changes. Notre Dame led 21-18 before Tadder’s third kill of the set brought defensive specialist Kate Johnson off the bench and to the service line. Johnson proceeded to dial up two great serves, including an ace that tied the frame, 21-21, at which point UND signaled for time. Coming out of the timeout, the Fighting Irish scored three straight points – all off UVA attack errors – to gain set point, 24-21. The Cavaliers tied the score after registering three straight points of their own, thanks to back-to-back aces from setter Ashley Le. Notre Dame gained set point, once again, 25-24, but another 3-0 run by the Cavaliers, which featured their fourth ace of the frame, propelled the Hoos to victory, 27-25. Virginia finished the opening set with 7.0 blocks, including five block assists from Yon.
- A 5-0 UVA run in the middle of the second proved to be the difference as Virginia ultimately went on to win, 25-19. Notre Dame broke up the Cavaliers’ scoring run on its ninth and final kill of the frame, but two plays later, the Cavaliers claimed three straight points to secure a 23-18 lead. Virginia tallied its 25th point of the set on a block by Yon and right side hitter Mary Shaffer, who finished Sunday’s contest with three block assists.
- Coming out of the break, Notre Dame jumped out to a 4-1 lead after registering a pair of aces early on. UVA grasped its first lead of the third on yet another 5-0 run, which was highlighted by a pair of UVA blocks, including one of Tadder’s three solos. The score would flip…