Notre Dame Takes Syracuse Down in Pursuit of the NCAA Tournament

By Brad Klein

CitrusTV Volleyball Beat Reporter

SOUTH BEND, IN – Syracuse volleyball (10-13, 7-9 Atlantic Coast) has about no chance to make the NCAA Tournament this season. With that goal pretty much out of the picture, the Orange have two more objectives: develop young talent, and spoil other teams’ chances at the field of 64.

Syracuse accomplished one of those in a four set loss to Notre Dame (18-7, 11-4 Atlantic Coast). The Fighting Irish are on the bubble, and played like they needed the win more than the Orange. 

Syracuse integrated freshman middle blocker Izzy Plummer in the rotation. Plummer is expected to be a crucial part of next year’s squad. She played in all four of the sets, but showed inexperience. She was late on closeouts, setting up Notre Dame for plenty of kills.

Notre Dame freshman outside hitter Caroline Meuth led the way with 21 kills in the match. Her five first set kills allowed the Fighting Irish to cruise to a 25-17 win. 

SYR struck back by taking the second frame 26-24 in comeback fashion. Syracuse made it close in the middle of the set by scoring six unanswered points. Even then, Notre Dame had them backed in a corner, down 24-23. The Orange responded with three points in a row. Elena Karakasi and Ella Saada both picked up clutch kills, setting the table for a Fighting Irish attack error to clinch the set.

After Syracuse tied the match at one set apiece, Notre Dame turned on the jets towards the NCAA Tournament. They won the third set 25-18. 

In the fourth game, Syracuse pushed back, but not hard enough. The Fighting Irish won the final frame 26-24.

Syracuse is back in action on Thanksgiving Day when they host Boston College at 1 p.m.

bwklein@syr.edu | @BradKlein15