South Bend, Ind.-- On Friday, September 29, the Villanova Wildcat volleyball team traveled to South Bend, Indiana to square off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In the first conference match for both teams, Notre Dame sailed past the Wildcats 3-0 (15-5, 15-2,15-9)

In game one, Villanova stormed out to a 3-0 lead. Early in the game, the Wildcats were able to capitalize on several Irish mistakes. Notre Dame responded well by refocusing their attack. Led by the Big East pre-season player of the year, Denise Boylan, the Notre Dame attack thrived. The Irish were able to find holes in the Wildcat defense. In addition, Villanova was not hitting or passing well. Notre Dame took advantage of every Wildcat mistake in scoring 15 of the next 17 points.

Down 1-0, Villanova tried to regroup, but couldn=t. Notre Dame came out equally as explosive as they were in game one. Their offensive took a commanding lead early and never looked back. Villanova could muster only two points en route to the 15-2 defeat.

Game three began much similar to game one with the Wildcats jumping ahead early. Up 5-2, Villanova attempted to hold the powerful Fighting Irish offense down. However, the Wildcats found themselves again making errors. The errors coupled with a consistent defense and offense allowed Notre Dame to regain the lead 10-9. The Irish finished off Villanova 15-9.

Statistically for Villanova, seniors Tina Zitterich (Ames, Iowa/Gilbert) and Breen Eddinger (Tacoma, Wash./Bellarmine Prep) tallied five kills a piece. Freshman setter Jennifer Edwards (Valencia, Calif./Valencia) recorded 14 assists.

For Notre Dame, Boylan and freshman Kristen Kinder lead the way in the assist department. Boylan tallied 19, while Kinder accumulated 16. On the attack, Christi Girton led the way with 8 kills.

With the loss, Villanova falls to 6-10 overall and 0-1 in the Big East. Notre Dame improves to 10-4 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

Villanova will be in action next this Sunday, Oct. 1, at 1:00 PM against Syracuse.