Notre Dame Academy has shifted its focus to the KHSAA state volleyball tournament after securing its fourth consecutive 9th Region title. The Pandas defeated St. Henry in a tightly contested final, winning the decisive set 15-6 to claim their 39th regional championship. This victory has energized the team as they prepare for their first-round match against West Jessamine on November 6, 2023.
Practices were held just hours after the regional finals, with the team working on critical skills such as serve-receive and hitting. “It’s an honor to wear the Notre Dame uniform,” stated Audrey Dyas, a senior and University of Toledo commit, who was named MVP of the tournament. Dyas leads in blocks, while fellow senior Grace Portwood, committed to the University of Indianapolis, tops the team in kills. The enthusiasm among the team’s four seniors is palpable as they aim for a historic eleventh state title.
The Pandas have a strong roster beyond their senior stars. Notable players include Lizzy Larkins and Katie Zwick, both committed to Ohio Dominican University, along with junior Teagan Kondik and sophomore Makayla Roose, who has received several college offers. The team faced challenges this season, notably losing seven seniors from the previous year. Co-head coach Hannah Colvin emphasized the growth of the team, particularly in the libero position, which was a significant concern after losing Julia Grace to Xavier University.
As Notre Dame Academy enters the state tournament with a record of 29-7, the players and coaches are focused on their goal of winning. Colvin remarked, “For any team that gets to state, the goal is to win, but we’re taking nothing for granted.” This mindset is critical as they prepare to face West Jessamine, a team they have historically defeated in their two previous matchups during the state tournament in 2020 and 2023.
The upcoming match is pivotal, as the winner will advance to the state quarterfinals on November 7, 2023. The tournament will continue with semifinals and finals scheduled for November 8. Last year, Notre Dame reached the semifinals but lost to eventual champions Louisville Assumption, a two-time defending champion and currently ranked No. 1 in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association state poll.
Colvin and her co-coach, Madison Salkowski, are determined to lead their team to further success. Both are former Notre Dame players and friends since childhood, bringing a wealth of experience to the coaching staff. They have established a successful partnership, with Salkowski focusing on offense and Colvin managing defense. Their collaborative approach has fostered a positive environment within the team.
The rivalry with Assumption looms large as the tournament progresses. Assumption has dominated the series historically, winning a record 24 state titles and maintaining a strong winning streak against Kentucky teams. Notre Dame has seen a resurgence in their performance against Assumption since 2022, winning six of the last eleven meetings. The coaches emphasize the importance of hard work and resilience, understanding that past dominance does not guarantee future outcomes.
“We have to keep working hard,” Colvin emphasized, noting the team’s balanced strengths. Portwood echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to compete against any opponent. “If we get to play Assumption again, we can give them a battle, even win. But we have to get there first.”
As the tournament approaches, both Notre Dame Academy and Assumption face the pressure of expectations. The dynamic nature of high school volleyball ensures that each match is critical, and the Pandas are prepared to embrace the challenge ahead. The outcome remains uncertain, but their commitment to excellence and teamwork positions them well as they strive for title number eleven.
