SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Villanova Wildcats improved throughout the match but suffered a second defeat at the Catholic Challenge, falling to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in straight sets (6-25, 19-25, 22-25) on the campus of Santa Clara. 

Seven players recorded a kill for Villanova (0-2), including six kills and three blocks from first-year middle Campbell McKinnon for a team-high 7.5 points to earn an All-Tournament selection.

Abby Harrell led the 'Cats with seven terminations while Ozzie Ozonoh stuffed three ND attacks on the day. Freshman outside hitter Cat Young became the fifth Wildcat to make her collegiate debut on the weekend, totaling a team-high nine digs in addition to two kills in a pair of sets played. Setter Alyssa Nelson compiled a team-best 10 assists with five digs and her first career kill.

Notre Dame jumped on the Wildcats early with a 12-0 run to force a pair of VU timeouts and create a 14-3 advantage in the opening set, keeping that momentum on the way to a 25-6 win.

The 'Cats turned things around to open the second, stringing together four straight midway through for a 12-9 VU edge and ND timeout. The Irish took the next six to reclaim a three-point lead and prompt a Villanova pause before Notre Dame kept it going for a two set advantage.

It was a far more even third period with seven ties and four lead changes, the final lockup coming at 20-20 before the Irish got the five they needed en route to a sweep.

UP NEXT: The Wildcats return home for a four-match swing, hosting Binghamton on Wednesday evening before a four-team Villanova Classic comes to Jake Nevin Field House at the weekend.