University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Fall 3-1 to #17 Notre Dame
10/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
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STORRS, CT (Oct. 5) - Despite dominating performances in games two and three of a four-game match, the University of Connecticut volleyball team (11-7, 1-1) ultimately fell to BIG EAST opponent and #17 nationally-ranked Notre Dame (11-2, 3-0) by scores of 30-22, 20-30, 30-28, 30-18. After the convincing game two victory, the strong play of junior Jamie Hadenfeldt (Benicia, CA) looked to have the Huskies on track for another win in game three, but the Fighting Irish launched a comeback after being down 28-22 to win the game. With the momentum back on their side, Notre Dame got back on track to win game four and the match.
After an 11 kill, 11 error performance in game one, UConn came out firing in game two and notched 17 kills to Notre Dame’s 10. Raftyn Birath (Marshall, MN) set the pace for the Huskies down the stretch with four kills as UConn built what proved to be an insurmountable lead for the Fighting Irish.
The third game of the match was a heartbreaker for the Huskies, who led 28-22 on the strength of Hadenfeldt who knocked down eight kills with just one error in the game, and looked poised to go up 2-1 for the match. But Notre Dame’s Kristen Kinder served out the final seven points and Lauren Kelbley tallied three kills in the run as the Fighting Irish shut out the Huskies and took the final eight points.
Despite a seven-kill effort from Hadenfeldt in game four, UConn never found the same rhythm and were out-hit .318 to .096 by Notre Dame. Lauren Brewster recorded a team-high 17 kills for the Fighting Irish in the match, and Kelbley finished with 15. Emily Loomis recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 17 digs.
Hadenfeldt finished with her 10th double-double of the season with 19 kills and 13 digs, and Xaimara Coss (Brooklyn, NY) tallied a match-high 21 digs.
The Huskies return to action on October 10 when they travel to Pittsburgh for a BIG EAST contest at 7:00 p.m.
