Box Score Arrows outlast Falcons


SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Notre Dame Falcons lost at home for the first time this season on Tuesday night, falling to Ursuline in four sets at Murphy Gymnasium.  

The Falcons (4-8) saw a brief, two-match winning streak come to an end with the loss while the Arrows (6-1) have now run off six consecutive victories after starting the year with a loss. 

The opening set was tightly contested as neither side was able to mount a lead larger than two. Ursuline took a 21-20 advantage, and while the Falcons were able to stay close, and tie the match at 24-24, the Arrows pulled away with a 26-24 win. 

The second set wasn't much different, as both sides exchanged modest runs throughout the set. Ursuline led for most of the set, and took a 23-20 advantage before Notre Dame battled back and tied the set at 24-24, but Ursuline eventually came away with a 28-26 win. 

Notre Dame scored the victory in the third set to keep the match alive. The Falcons scored the first three points of the set and eventually built an 18-9 lead, before the Arrows came storming back. Ursuline tied the match at 23-23, before NDC scored the final two points to seal the 25-23 win. 

In the final set, Ursuline used a hot start to steal the momentum, and pulled away. The Arrows scored six straight points early on to take an 8-2 lead, and steadily added to that advantage throughout the set, eventually coming away with a 25-17 victory. 

Kristen Hill had a big night for the Falcons, leading the way with 15 kills, as she hit .481 on the evening. Lindsay Shirilla added 12 kills, while Brooke Mako added 11. Shelby Regiec paced the Falcons with 27 assists, while Tawny Flareau added 16 to go along with 16 digs. Flareau and Morgan Toman led NDC with 16 digs apiece, while Tawnia Almaraz added 15. 

The Falcons are in action again on Friday, Sept. 26, when they hit the road for more MEC action, as they take on Fairmont State, in Fairmont, W.Va. The contest is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.