The Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish Women’s Volleyball team is going dancing in Omaha. Their fall sport season is still going strong as they head to the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament. After a 14-3 season and finishing second in the ACC behind Louisville who finished their season 13-2 and ranked number twenty two in the country. The number two ranking for the Irish is there best finish since joining the ACC in 2014. Due to COVID 19, the season which typically ends in December plays on this year into the spring. This is the third time in four seasons that the Fightin’ Irish have been to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The Irish come into the tournament on a three game winning streak.
The Tournament Set Up
Forty Eight teams were selected for the “Bubble Location” tournament in Omaha Nebraska. The tournament includes 30 automatic qualifiers and 18 at-large selections. Thirty two teams will play on April 14th and the Fightin’ Irish will play Army. The regional semifinals and finals set for April 18-19, the national semifinals set for April 22 and the national championship set for April 24.
Meet The Players And Coach
The Fightin’ Irish have an excellent roster. We will introduce a group of them and some of their stats. Freshman Hattie Monson, (64 Spikes, 1 Kill, 54 Set A, 278 Digs, 16 Points). Freshman Aubrey Hamilton, (64 Spikes, 179 Kills, 1 Set A, 47 Digs, 195 Points). Junior Zoe Nunez, (64 Spikes, 27 Kills, 54 Set A, 200 Digs, 65 Points). Senior Hannah Thompson, (63 Spikes, 93 Kills, 54 Set A,12 Digs, 132.5 Points). Sophomore Caroline Meuth, (63 Spikes, 189 Kills, 6 Set A, 114 Digs, 230 Points). Freshman Lindsay Miller, (58 Spikes, 119 Kills, 1 Set A, 18 Digs, 152 Points). Junior Charley Niego, (55 Spikes, 27 Kills, 699 Set A, 152 Digs, 65 Points).
Head Coach Mike Johnson, is one of the nicest guys. He joined the University of Notre Dame volleyball program in January 2015 as the Associate Head Coach. This is his fourth season as the Fightin’ Irish Volleyball Head Coach. I had an opportunity to interview Coach Johnson last week and you can see that interview below.
The Spike
The Women’s NCAA Volleyball Tournament page can be found here. A printable bracket can be found here. The first serve is set for noon ET on Wednesday, April 14 and the match will be streamed live via ESPN3. The winner of Notre Dame/Army takes on tenth-seeded Oregon for a berth in the Sweet 16 at noon ET on Thursday, April 15 in a match that will also be streamed on ESPN3.
Video and Cover Photo are courtesy of Fighting Irish Media
Cheers and Go Irish! ☘🏐🌩