Notre Dame at Beechwood Top Tier 9th Region battle takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame Pandas may have won for the 37th time in as many meetings dating back to the 2001 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the Pandas had to earn this win over the homestanding Beechwood Tigers in a 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-22). The 22 points are a tie for the most points that Beechwood has put up against Notre Dame in a set since winning that third set in the 35th District championship in 2017. Beechwood also put up 22 points in the third set of last year's district title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame (13-3) puts out the 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'] or 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'] at middle blocker, 6-2 [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'] at outside hitter and 6-1 senior [player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'] at opposite hitter and uses the size and strength in the front line to overpower opponents. They used it to pull away in the first set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"(The upperclassmen) are always letting (the younger players) know that they can do it. We always try to make them confident in themselves," Notre Dame co-head coach Hannah Colvin said. "They know that we believe in them so it's about them believing in themselves. They really all came together and they were all doing different things at different times, but that energy, that excitement Audrey brings to the court. She brought us back when we needed her whether it was in the front row or back row."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pandas also kept the Tigers out of rhythm better. Dyas, [player_tooltip player_id='741510' first='Dara' last='Jackson'] and senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] had good games serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beechwood countered with 6-3 junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='827943' first='Teegan' last='Becker'] and 6-0 junior [player_tooltip player_id='484443' first='Macy' last='Armstrong']. The Tigers also have a good bit of athleticism to counter the Notre Dame speed. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484442' first='Isabel' last='O'Brien'] landed some tip kills, which is not generally easy to do against the Pandas defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beechwood has more experience in the back line with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='796736' first='Maggie' last='Dawson'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='797739' first='Piper' last='Steinmetz']. The Tigers also have a sound setter in [player_tooltip player_id='456668' first='Skylr' last='Estep'] to go with the likes of hitters [player_tooltip player_id='397726' first='Isabel' last='Bakker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='594624' first='Kendale' last='Lair']. The experience showed at times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, the younger defensive specialists and hitters wound up helping the Pandas make more plays to win. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='741510' first='Dara' last='Jackson'] led everyone in digs at the libero spot and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'] also had some nice digs. Junior lefty [player_tooltip player_id='484450' first='Leah' last='Bowman'] also had some big kills. Setters [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'] did a good job distributing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beechwood built five-point leads in the second and third sets, but could not hold onto them. The Tigers led 13-8 after a 3-0 run that included two O'Brien kills. After a timeout, Notre Dame quickly erased that lead. The Pandas went up 22-20 after a Dyas kill. Beechwood trimmed it to one twice. The Pandas then won it on a Dyas slide kill and a Beechwood long hit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers led 14-9 in the third set after O'Brien pounded one through blocks. The Pandas erased that lead with a 7-0 run when Dyas landed three aces. Tied at 22, Notre Dame scored the last three points finishing it on two Beechwood errors and a Jackson ace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beechwood travels to Simon Kenton on Thursday for a 7 p.m. game. The Pandas do not play again until Sept. 23 at Holy Cross (Covington).</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":["507601"],"_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":887314,"_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-68cb7a7fd735a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Portwood is putting together a third straight solid season on varsity for the Pandas as the team leader in kills. Portwood uses a great vertical jump to leap over taller blockers and send balls screaming to the floor. Portwood sends tough crosses toward lines. She quickly transitions from defense to offense after making sound passes. She had some key aces in the second game. Portwood said taking deep breaths and remaining confident in play is the key to coming through in tight games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741510"],"_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":887318,"_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-68cb7e924ed23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson looked good at the libero spot for the [program_tooltip program_id='430243' first='NKYVC' last=''] 15-1 Tsunami squad in the fall and has carried over a number of good habits to the high school season for the Pandas. Jackson has a good platform to consistently make good two to three-point passes. Her line drive serves catch opponents off guard. Jackson said the Tigers do a good job hitting certain shots, but the Pandas did well taking them out of system so they did not take those tough swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484450"],"_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":887321,"_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-68cb7e924edcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bowman (pictured) is a lefty and the team is trying to incorporate her unique hitting angles from her strong right side into the offensive scheme. Bowman gave the Tigers problems with her crosses from the opposite pin of where they normally come from. Bowman also made some sound passes in the win. Bowman said she's improved at hitting sharper shots around blocks as the season has progressed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["798218"],"_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":887327,"_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-68cb7f1537001"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Similar to many of her teammates, Osterkamp's experience playing for a high-level club team has helped her transition to the varsity level well. She reads defenses and tries to make solid sets to the deeply talented Panda hitters. Osterkamp does what she can when Notre Dame is out of system to help the hitters take quality swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796736"],"_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":887333,"_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-68cb82069356c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Notre Dame barrages defensive specialists all game long from a variety of angles. Dawson did not back down despite that challenge. She dug up a number of the tough crosses to keep plays alive. If she did not track down the ball, she still gave a great effort going after those balls.</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='484442' first='Isabel' last='O'Brien'], Beechwood - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'], Notre Dame - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'], Notre Dame - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484443' first='Macy' last='Armstrong'], Beechwood - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827943' first='Teegan' last='Becker'], Beechwood - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484450' first='Leah' last='Bowman'], Notre Dame - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'], Notre Dame - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='456668' first='Skylr' last='Estep'], Beechwood - 23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'], Notre Dame - 15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'], Notre Dame - 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='741510' first='Dara' last='Jackson'], Notre Dame - 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portwood - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='796736' first='Maggie' last='Dawson'], Beechwood - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'], Notre Dame - 9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Osterkamp - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Brien - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Larkins - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='797739' first='Piper' last='Steinmetz'], Beechwood - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='397726' first='Isabel' last='Bakker'], Beechwood - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyas - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Larkins - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Brien - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyas - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Armstrong - 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roose - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estep - 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 -->