Starkville Set to Shake with Notre Dame Volleyball Showdown!
Starkville, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement as the Notre Dame volleyball team prepares for an action-packed weekend at the StarkVegas Classic. After kicking off their season with a fantastic performance out west during the Catholic Challenge, the Irish are rolling into Mississippi with a perfect 2-0 record for the first time under third-year head coach Salima Rockwell.
A Weekend to Remember
Last weekend, the Irish faced off against Villanova and Santa Clara, making quite the splash by winning six of their seven sets. It was an impressive start for the team, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new faces. Among the standout performers was Anna Bjork, a freshman middle blocker from Wisconsin, who turned heads with her stellar .480 hitting percentage. With 14 kills, she was not only a force at the net but also racked up 11 blocks—a staggering 1.57 rejections per set!
But it wasn’t just the newbies lighting up the court. The seasoned trio of graduate libero Hattie Monson, senior outside hitter Sydney Palazzolo, and senior setter Phyona Schrader played a critical role in the Irish’s success. Their experience will undoubtedly help as the competition ramps up this weekend. Also, keep an eye on graduate setter Ella Sandt, who stepped in with authority, leading the team with 40 assists and proving she’s ready to take charge.
Facing New Challenges
This weekend, the challenges get tougher for the Irish as they prepare to battle against the Michigan Wolverines and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Michigan is making waves in the Big Ten, currently boasting a 4-0 record after sweeping their last match against Eastern Michigan. Their offensive game is led by sophomore Morgan Burke, who’s racked up 148 assists thus far.
The Irish will meet Michigan on Saturday at 7 p.m., and this match-up marks the first time Michigan has played against an Atlantic Coast Conference team this season. Historically, Notre Dame has gone 9-8 against Michigan, but they’ve lost four of their last five meetings.
Looking Ahead to Mississippi State
On Sunday, Notre Dame will face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have had a rocky couple of years but seem to be finding their footing with a 1-1 start this season. They lost a tightly contested match against Samford but bounced back with a win over UAB. The Bulldogs will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and prove they can compete with the best.
Mississippi State’s grad transfer, Kailin Newsome, has made headlines with back-to-back double-doubles to kick off the season, having notched 23 kills and 29 digs already. Besides her, Amina Shackelford and Karli Schmidt have also been key players, with Shackelford currently leading the team with an impressive .400 hitting percentage.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the Irish are stepping into uncharted territory as they prepare for a weekend filled with excitement and spirited competition. With an impressive showing at the Catholic Challenge and a roster brimming with talent, Notre Dame has set the stage for an electrifying weekend in Starkville.
