Inside Notre Dame’s Dominant Five win over Mercy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Dominant Five matchup features the two teams that battled for a number of the state championships in the 1980s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lately, it's been about streaks. The Notre Dame Pandas extended their winning streak over the Mercy Jaguars that began with the 2020 state championship game to six in a row with a 3-1 (25-22, 27-29, 25-20, 25-20) win in Park Hills on Wednesday. Prior to that, Mercy won 15 in a row including the 2014 state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams pass balls well. It turned into a matter of which team dominated the better, which Notre Dame (8-2) once again did. Their lineup features 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 and 6-1 heights, making them the tallest of the Dominant Five on average. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'] led the Pandas with kills with those tall players in [player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'], [player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'], [player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'] recording at least six kills each. [player_tooltip player_id='484450' first='Leah' last='Bowman'] also took some nice swings for Notre Dame. Highlands co-head coach Madison Salkowski credited the hitters for making in-game blocking adjustments on the Mercy hitters throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fourth-year varsity setter [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] dished balls out well along with [player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp']. Freshman libero [player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'] has answered a number of the question marks coming into the season on defense for the Pandas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='479273' first='Mady' last='Yaden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='611834' first='Nalani' last='Derringer'] took a good number of swings for the Jaguars (10-2). Mercy tried to employ its usual balance with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='484254' first='Alli' last='Riegling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='554148' first='Emma' last='Cronen'] with [player_tooltip player_id='544366' first='Addison' last='Randol'] setting them up a good bit. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='797942' first='Reese' last='Houston'] has stepped into the libero role nicely for the Jaguars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game saw Notre Dame use a 4-0 run to go up 19-14, Roose had a block during that run. Mercy trimmed the margin to two twice including 24-22 before Dyas ended that game on a slide kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second game stayed tight with Notre Dame going up 5-2 early. Both teams had their chances at match point before Derringer landed a block to win it for Mercy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third game saw Notre Dame go on a 3-0 run to go up 13-8 that included a Zwick tip kill. Mercy did get it down to 23-20 before Dyas put one down and Portwood finished it with a block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pandas jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the fourth game. Mercy did come back to tie it at 14 before Notre Dame pulled away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame travels to St. Ursula on Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. game. Mercy hosts Whitefield Academy at 7:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performances</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774790"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":883573,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d436d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grout (pictured) played for a high-level, fast-paced club team in the spring and it's helped her adjust quickly to the varsity level. Grout reads hitters well and tries to square her arms up to balls for consistent two to three-point passes. One can't tell she's a freshman with her maturity and athleticism. Grout said the exposure to high-level competition more than elevates her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["312234"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":883575,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d43e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dyas has a great sense of humor off the court, but she's ferocious on the court. Dyas channels that energy well with her blocking and hitting. Dyas came through in a big way on her 17fh birthday. Mercy had issues handling her on short sets in the middle. Dyas does not get deterred by blocks. She keeps swinging and often puts balls down on her next follow-throughs. Dyas landed a number of key aces in the Notre Dame win. Dyas said the Pandas were motivated by the recent <em>MaxPreps</em> rankings that put them behind Mercy and the Pandas proved something.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727143"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":883576,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d4441"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mercy crushes opponents if they don't at least get hands on balls. Roose used her size to make sure that did not happen. Roose is a sound blocker on both solo and double blocks. Roose added in big kills from the middle and outside. Roose agreed that team size is a good thing that can carry teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["571992"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d44aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zwick has become more consistent this year, taking advantage of numerous one-on-one opportunities from the middle and the outside. Zwick angles balls away from blockers and defensive specialists. Zwick also forms good double blocks to help the usually stout Notre Dame net defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["611834"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":883578,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d4524"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derringer has a great vertical and Mercy takes advantage of it for her to land big kills and blocks. Derringer makes sound in-air adjustments to put balls down. Derringer continues to get stronger with more repetitions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["797942"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":883582,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b9f6a4d4570"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Houston gives the Jaguars sound play at the libero spot. The Transylvania University commit has great ball pursuit. Houston does what she can to beat balls to their spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stat Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'], Notre Dame - 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='479273' first='Mady' last='Yaden'], Mercy - 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'], Notre Dame - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'], Notre Dame - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='611834' first='Nalani' last='Derringer'], Mercy - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'], Notre Dame - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484254' first='Alli' last='Riegling'], Mercy - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='554148' first='Emma' last='Cronen'], Mercy - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484450' first='Leah' last='Bowman'], Notre Dame - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'], Notre Dame - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='544366' first='Addison' last='Randol'], Mercy - 35</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'], Notre Dame - 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'], Notre Dame - 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'], Notre Dame - 25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portwood - 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cronen - 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Randol - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='797942' first='Reese' last='Houston'], Mercy - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='741510' first='Dara' last='Jackson'], Notre Dame - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osterkamp - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riegling - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyas - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portwood - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yaden - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blocks</strong><br>Yaden - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riegling - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roose - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyas - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derringer - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zwick - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Josie Hans, Mercy - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowman - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='479301' first='Allison' last='O'Shea'], Mercy - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->