VILLANOVA, PA – The winning streak continues for the Academy of Notre Dame after they defeated Springside Chestnut Hill three sets to none on Tuesday afternoon.
ND entered the PAISAA semifinals as undefeated Inter-Ac champions. As the 2015 PAISAA champions, the team is looking to repeat this year.
The Irish started slow in the first set, but quickly took the lead to defeat the Blue Devils 25-12. SCH dominated the second set, but ND was able to make a successful comeback to win it 25-17.
ND vs. SCHA
This is Brenda Collins first year as the co-head coach for the Irish. She leads alongside Mike Sheridan who has 14 seasons under his belt.
"We were really, really flat [the second set]. We weren't getting our passing up, which meant we were not creating any offense," said Collins.
The final match-point of the 2016 PAISAA semifinal
Riley Shaak discusses ND’s preparation for Friday
ND entered the third set ready and determined to take the win. The girls were able to keep a significant difference on the scoreboard throughout the playtime and won this final set 25-12.
SCH's head coach Randy Syracuse said he was proud of how far his girls have come this season.
"We were a team with a new coach, new system and we road it like a roller coaster. Some days it was good, some days it was not so good," said Syracuse.
Randy Syracuse reflects on SCHA’s final match
Brenda Collins lauds her Irish squad
On Friday, the Academy of Notre Dame will move on to face familiar foe, Germantown Academy, in the PAISAA championship game. The Irish are looking forward to this much anticipated match-up.
"This team is a very special team. They have a lot of heart. I couldn't ask for a better group of girls," said Collins.