PHILADELPHIA - You would never know that Academy of Notre Dame’s Volleyball team is considered to be in a rebuilding year.

Losing seven seniors to graduation, you might say this squad may be having some growing pains… well that certainly is not the case.

The Irish have been exceeding expectations winning the last 4 of their matches in a 3-0 sweep.

So was the case in Tuesday night’s match-up against host Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. This was the first league game for the Irish and they did what they set out to do beating the Blue Devils, (25-9, 25-19, 25-10).

The Notre Dame squad (5-2 overall, 1-0 Inter-Ac) has high hopes for the rest of the season. Head coach Mike Sheridan describes this year’s team as great spirited, energetic and resilient.

“The core leaders are our three seniors - Allison Hendrick at middle and setters Emma Butler and Marina Ruiz.  Returning juniors Elise Butler at outside and Molly Keift on right side are contributing with their strong play.  The new varsity players, sophomores, Lexi Shreiner and Sarah Dodds, both outsides, and freshmen Maddie Donaphon as libero and Riley Shaak at middle, have been pleasant surprises with their maturity, hard work and commitment,” said Sheridan.

Sheridan’s practice methods rely on basic fundamentals along with a strong foundation on and off the court.

“We also emphasize the importance of bringing spirit and energy to every point of every match, whether a player is on the court or the bench.  That includes supporting teammates with positive encouragement regardless of the score,” said Sheridan.

The Irish are definitely off to a good start. Their next league match will be against last year’s Inter-Ac Champions Germantown Academy on Friday, Sept. 23rd.