Notre Dame's volleyball program has had a lot of success over the last five years, with four District titles and a State Runner-Up finish. However, a region crown had eluded their grasp. That changed Saturday in Knoxville.
The Irish started the day with a match against host Grace Christian Academy of Knoxville. The first set was dominated 25-13 by the Irish, sparked by the serving of Magge Fillauer and the hitting of Regan Wolf and Lindsay Burn. The second set was a back and forth affair with Grace Knoxville controlling much of the play and squeezing out a 25-23 win.
The Irish regained control in the fourth set with strong play by freshman Sam Brown and the setting and offense of senior setter Mary Fillauer. Back to Back 25-19 sets sealed the win for Notre Dame.
At the same time, Boyd Buchanon was sweeping Concord Christian in the other semi-final. This set up a fifth meeting on the year between the Irish and the Buc. Notre Dame entered the contest with a perfect 4-0 record against Boyd, having only dropped 2 sets.
The first set saw sloppy play from both sides. Notre Dame missed 7 serves and Boyd almost matched them. Notre Dame found just enough offense from Maggie Fillauer and defense from libero Riley McCormick to keep and early lead, taking a 25-13 win.
The second set saw Boyd control the play from the outset. Good serving and offense from the outside hitting position helped the Bucs build an 18-13 lead, forcing a time out. Out of the timeout, Notre Dame found new life. A kill by Caimen Cothran and a four point service run by Maggie Filllaeur brought the Irish even. Great defense kept the momentum wearing Irish Green and and ace by Mary Filauer ended the set, 25-23.
The final set started close, but great serving and defense by Madeline Sollis staked the Irish to a 5 point lead at 15-10. A par of 3 point serving runs by Brown and Maggie Clotfelter put the game out of reach and Notre Dame had the Region crown with a 25-17 victory in set three.
Regan Wolf was awarded the Region MVP, with a 28 kill / 8 block day. Other Notre Dame all region team members were Mary Fillauer, Maggie Fillauer and Sam Brown.
Notre Dame has a bye on Tuesday in the state playoffs and will host next Saturday. Boyd Buchannon will play on Tuesday night againstan opponent and at a time to be determined.
Notre Dame Combined Stats:
Mary Fillauer 8 kills, 70 assist, 16 digs, 7 aces, 2 blocks
Regan Wolf 28 kills, 8 blocks, 2 digs
Lindsay Burns 5 kills, 12 digs, 2 aces, 2 blocks
Riley McCormick 37 digs, 1 kill, 3 aces
Sam Crisp 3 kills, 3 digs
Madeline Solis 19 digs, 4 aces
Maggie Fillauer 22 kills, 29 digs, 6 aces, 1 block
Sam Brown 19 kills, 12 digs, 3 block, 2 aces
Caimen Cothran 1 kill, 1 dig
Maggie Clotfelter 1 ace, 6 digs