Irish defeat USC, lose to Georgia

By OLIVIA SCHATZ

Associate sports e ditor

After a dominating start to their season, notre dame women’s tennis beat no. 13 Usc before losing to no. 6 Georgia at the ITA Kickoff Weekend.

Unranked Irish stun Trojans

The Irish traveled to Atlanta, GA where they started off the weekend against the Trojans. While the start of the afternoon did not bode well for the Irish, they quickly turned it around. Irish senior Page Freeman and freshman bojana Pozder lost 6-3 to Usc, before junior Yashna Yellayi and freshman rylie hanford lost 7-5. The third doubles round was never finished. despite the Trojans notching an early point, the Irish did not sit idly. Freshman Akari matsuno started the momentum for the Irish in the sixth spot as she won swiftly in two sets (6-3, 6-3). however, the Trojans were able to pull back into the lead as no. 2 ranked madison sieg beat junior Julia Andreach also in two sets (6-4, 7-5) on the second court. Then, on the fourth court, no. 102 freshman nibi Ghosh took on no. 83 emma charney. despite the match staying close, charney clutched the win for the Trojans bringing Usc to a 3-1 lead on the day. however, this was the last point the Trojans would win.

despite playing multiple ranked athletes, notre dame did not falter. Yellayi was the first to beat a ranked opponent on court no. 3 although she lost the first set, 4-6 to no. 17 snow han, Yellayi would come back and win 6-2 in the second and third sets. on the top court, Freeman took on no. 24 eryn cayetano. While Freeman took care of the first set 7-5, cayetano would win the second 6-3. Freeman pulled through in the third set with a 6-4 victory. Finally, Pozder was fighting in performance. “being able to go out and execute, it’s a good feeling. but we looked at the scoreboard and it wasn’t like, ‘we’re happy to be here’. This is where we should be, and this is where we know we can be.” ryan set the tone by recording steals on Louisville’s opening two possessions. by the time the first half was over, the cardinals had turned the ball over eight times to the Irish’s zero. notre dame finished the game with just three turnovers while tallying 16 assists. eight of those came from ryan, who referred to the Irish’s ball movement as quintessential notre dame basketball. he gave all the credit to the shot-making of his teammates. focused on a daily basis in practice and throughout a game,” brey said of starling’s growth. “You see what he can do physically, and I think he’s learning that that’s an amazing weapon and advantage that he has.” starling mentioned his teammates as a catalyst for his big scoring performance. however, he was more concerned with getting the Irish back into the winning column.

Turnovers were an area that the Irish needed to improve upon in order to reach that elevated level of play, both in terms of forcing more and giving away fewer. Tuesday night’s loss against nc state saw them finish minus-13 in the turnover margin, but saturday’s game was a different story.

“seeing the ball go in, my teammates were making shots. That just got my energy up and I just started hitting [shots] as well,” starling said. “honestly, I just want to do my job to get wins, whether that’s me scoring like I did tonight or having five points. I just want to do my job, my part, and that comes defensively first.” setting notre dame up with open shot attempts in transition. but after making seven threepointers in the first half, the Irish connected on just three in the second, allowing Louisville to slowly chip away at the lead. the third spot. Again, the IrishTrojan matchup went to three sets, but it was Pozder who would take the point. The freshman clinched the victory bringing notre dame to 4-3 on the day.

Irish falter in singles on Sunday however, Georgia smothered any hope the Irish had in winning the match. The bulldogs won four matches in a row, none of which went on to a third set. Freeman and matsuno’s matches would go unfinished. notre dame’s schedule does not get easier. The Irish travel to champaign, IL on Feb. 5 to face off against Illinois. Looking down the line, notre dame also faces off against no. 5 duke, no. 2 north carolina and no. 25 Georgia Tech. To last in this division, notre dame must continue to win against ranked and competitive teams.

While the victory over Usc surely proved notre dame’s talent, their momentum did not help when they played against no. 6 Georgia on sunday.

The Irish started out strong, unlike in their bout against the Trojans. Andreach and sophomore carrie beckman would bring the first win of the night for the Irish (6-3). This would be followed by Yellayi and freshman rylie hanford clinching the only point for the Irish (6-3). Freeman and Pozder’s match would go unfinished.

Although the Irish ultimately fell to Georgia, knocking down Usc and beating multiple ranked players proved notre dame as fierce competition. Although they didn’t receive any votes in the most recent ranking, the Irish upset victory may change that this week.

The first step in their journey will be on Friday, Feb. 5 against Illinois at 11 a.m. esT.

Contact Olivia Schatz at oschatz@nd.edu

“I got some tricks up my sleeve, I can throw it around a little bit,” ryan said with a laugh after setting a new career-high assists mark. “Look, in order to get an assist, guys [have to] make shots. We’ve got talented guys who were knocking down shots tonight. I’m happy to do my part.” many of those knocked-down shots came from freshman guard JJ starling, who was dynamic throughout the game in what was likely the best allaround performance of his college career. starling finished with a game-high 22 points and did everything. he scored from all three levels, soared for contested rebounds (finishing with six total, three offensive) and played hard defense throughout.

The highlight of the game came when starling picked off a Louisville pass and turned it into a dunk on the other end in the final seconds of the first half. That play capped off an individual 7-0 scoring run from starling and extended the Irish’s halftime advantage to 46-24. To notre dame head coach mike brey, starling’s breakout performance is indicative of a young player who has been steadily improving all season long.

“Understanding how to be

Tim Welsh

enthusiasm of the large hometown crowd over the weekend was appreciated, especially for the seniors not headed to the Acc or nc AA championships. but energy also reminded bradshaw of the competition to come.

“They’re rounding into championship form,”

Following notre dame’s struggles to effectively defend during its four-game losing streak, the entire team seemed to buy in defensively. The effort paid dividends on saturday. The Irish had given up at least 80 points in each of their last three games, but Louisville barely crossed the 20-point threshold in the first half. They finished with just 62. notre dame keyed in on cardinals guard el ellis, the team’s leading scorer at over 17 points per game, and held him to just eight. The Irish defense also forced 12 turnovers and committed just 13 fouls.

While the cardinals got hot in the second half, shooting 62% from the floor, they had dug too deep of a hole to ever get back within striking distance. brey praised notre dame’s effort defensively, noting the effectiveness of their match-up zone in improving defensive communication. It also helped them withstand the loss of their best interior defender, freshman forward venAllen Lubin, who is expected back next game after suffering a minor ankle injury.

“I thought we were pretty good defensively, very good defensively in the first half. We played a little bit of this match-up zone,” brey said. “It really helps us protect the paint and also makes a quiet team talk more.” notre dame’s big halftime lead would continue to get bigger, peaking at 30 early in the second half. That’s when Louisville suddenly began making shots and the Irish suddenly began missing. The cardinals started full-court pressing, consistently bradshaw said. “We still have a couple months left in our season, but competition-wise, we’re coming down to the end.” bradshaw and Lindauer did not downplay what a privilege it is to perform at home facilities. Lindauer added that the program had an excellent opportunity to put its character on display at the meet.

“how are we bonding together? how are we communicating brey commended his team for having the character and mental fortitude to bring their best effort every day in practice even when it wasn’t translating to wins.

With the deficit at just 14 and over eight minutes still to play, Irish fans may have started to sweat, but the cardinals would never get any closer. After ceding 14 consecutive points and not scoring for over six minutes, notre dame snapped the streak with a pair of starling free throws. soon after, graduate student forward nate Laszewski buried a dagger three-pointer, and the Irish finished off a 7662 victory. beyond starling’s 22 points and ryan’s 11-point, eightassist performance, Laszewski scored 17 and graduate student guard dane Goodwin added a double-double to guide the Irish to their first win in nearly three weeks.

“I’ll give this group credit, though. They’ve come in and worked even though they’ve been punched,” brey said. “I think our seniors have kept that practice habit going.”

While that may be the case, brey said it’s certainly easier to find that energy throughout the week following a big win like saturday’s.

“You always practice better after a win, man,” brey said. “You got a little spring in your step.”

The win improved the Irish to 10-12 (2-9 Acc) on the year. It also pushed them to 1-0 in games in which brey wears a suit, after he participated in suits And sneakers Week to support the coaches vs. cancer program. so what will he be wearing next saturday when the Irish host Wake Forest, seeking their second straight Acc victory?

“I’ll tell you one thing [about] that suit: I’m dry-cleaning this sucker and it’s coming out saturday, you can guarantee it,” brey said. “I’m riding the suit.” notre dame head coach mike brey calls out to a player during the game between notre dame and Wisconsin at the Purcell Pavilion on saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. p.m.

Contact Matthew Crow at mcrow@nd.edu together? What is the energy like on deck?” are questions Lindauer has prompted the team with all season.

“I know [little things like team cheers] seem simple, but energy in the team area is contagious,” Lindauer said. “When that is positive, you can expect great things to come out of it.”.

Contact

Peter Breen at pbreen2@nd.edu

Happy Birthday: make a positive difference in your community. A passionate approach to whatever you do will fetch the results you desire. stay in your lane this year and provide the ones you love with stability. showing concern, sharing thoughts and doing your best to make your home and personal life copacetic will make a difference to you and the people you care about most. your numbers are 9, 15, 25, 28, 33, 40, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Arguing is a waste of time. Align yourself with people eager to work by your side to get the desired results. focus on what’s right in front of you; your skills and services will fetch the financial gains you want.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): don’t sit back if taking charge will get you where you want to go. by being aggressive with your plans, you will find the road to victory. sincerity will pay off, so say what’s on your mind and find out where you stand.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): keep your plans a secret. Put a limit on spending to avoid being put in an awkward position. control spending and stick to the most efficient way to execute your plans. be secretive if you want things to work in your favor.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Turn an idea into a moneymaker. Adjust what’s necessary to complete plans. do your homework and broaden your outlook. don’t invest in someone else’s plan if taking care of your financial future depends on believing and investing in yourself..

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): listen and do more but say less. keeping the peace and taking care of matters that bring you closer to someone you love is in your best interest. A change of scenery, company or geographical location will work in your favor.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Participate in something that challenges you mentally and sparks your imagination. some, not all, will welcome how you approach situations at work and home. you can make suggestions, but don’t try to take over. do your own thing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Walking down memory lane will help you implement a successful plan. Asking someone to contribute will help keep the peace and build a solid relationship. observe what others choose to do, but don’t substitute their goals for yours.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): listen to reason and use your attributes to reach your goal. your intuition won’t lead you astray. A progressive change is apparent, but trepidation will hold you back if you aren’t ready to take a leap of faith. Personal gain is within reach.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): observation will give insight into how best to handle money, partners and getting things done on time. deal with opposition strategically to fine-tune your plans. don’t let your emotions come between you and your ability to make the right decision. A fresh start is favored.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): look, evaluate and consider how best to use your skills to get ahead. step up and be the first to take a stance and make a difference. Aggressive action will drum up the help you need to get things done your way.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): stay in touch with trends. Ask questions, make suggestions and do your part to maintain a healthy and vibrant environment. be a reasonable observer, put your differences aside and try to understand what others are going through. you’ll make better decisions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): offer kindness and consideration when dealing with negativity or opposition. Avoid situations that are risky or that can back you into a corner. don’t let your emotions and generosity lead to financial loss or a falling out with someone you love.

Birthday Baby: you are curious, adventuresome and just. you are loyal and original.

even more encouraging for the irish was the depth of scoring they received tonight. Thirteen skaters contributed a point, and five different players netted goals.

in his 27th start of the season, ryan bischel saved 27 of 30 shots in goal for notre dame. Jared moe took the loss in net for Wisconsin, stopping 30 of 35.

Graduate student forward chayse Primeau scores the first irish goal of the weekend.

Irish complete muchneeded sweep

The irish began saturday’s matchup like they did Fridays: with a power-play goal.

Wisconsin went to the box for a slashing penalty early in the first, and although notre dame generated a few shots, the badgers killed off their first of nine penalties.

Wisconsin’s second penalty came only a few minutes later, giving the irish a second chance. The irish made the most of it.

With 24 seconds remaining in the powerplay, rolston made a pass from down in the corner up to captain graduate student nick Leivermann. The defender carried the puck along the blue line and ripped a shot from the big Ten logo. Junior forward Landon slaggert deflected the shot and beat moe to give the irish an early lead.

Though that was the only goal of the first period, it was by no means the last Wisconsin penalty.

With just two and a half minutes remaining in the first period, Wisconsin’s Luke Lamaster leveled a colossal hit on rolston. The hit was immediately ruled a minor before being upgraded to a five-minute major for contact to the head.

The irish man-up advantage would last until slaggert was called for goaltender interference, nullifying the irish powerplay until the second period.

midway through the second period, Wisconsin was called for its fourth penalty, setting up notre dame with another power play. With just half a minute left on the man advantage, the irish scored what might be the most chaotic goal of their season.

Pierson made a quick pass to sophomore hunter strand, who then snapped it to senior Jesse Lansdell. Lansdell turned and took a point-blank shot which moe blocked.

alhough the badgers initially blocked the shot, the rebound trickled out in front of the net, resulting in both teams crashing the net. strand found the puck and lifted it over moe, who had fallen to the ground in all the commotion.

Wisconsin challenged the goal, looking for a missed goaltender interference call, but the goal stood. notre dame’s third and final goal once again came on the power play, though the power play lasted a total of five seconds. notre dame won the faceoff in the Wisconsin defensive end, and grad student chayse Primeau kicked it up to a waiting Leivermann. notre dame now turns its attention to next weekend’s matchup, when they play no. 15 michigan state in Lansing. it’s a pivotal match-up, as the irish are just two points ahead of the spartans in the standings. Thanks to the sweep of Wisconsin, notre dame currently stands to host a quarterfinal series in the big 10 playoffs. They sit fourth in the conference. beating the spartans in Lansing would go a long way to help solidify their spot in the conference.

Leivermann sent the puck along the blue line to fellow defender chase blackmun. blackmun immediately took open ice and let the puck fly above the far faceoff dot. The shot went past a diving Wisconsin defender and moe.

Late in the third, as Wisconsin fans began to head for the exits, senior solag bakich was called for a slashing penalty. desperate, Wisconsin pulled moe to gain a 6-on-4 advantage. The badgers used the advantage effectively and were finally able to beat bischel to make it a 3-1 game.

The badger’s chances of pulling a comeback were hurt dramatically when Lamaster was called for his second contact to the head penalty and was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct.

The irish held on to win the game 3-1 and swept the badgers at home. notre dame’s sweep of Wisconsin is their first of a big 10 conference opponent this season and their first since northern michigan 104 days ago in mid-october.

When the irish hosted the spartans at compton earlier this year, they won game one 5-0 and lost in a shootout in game two. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. esT on Friday and 4 p.m. saturday.

Contact Ryan Murphy at rmurph22@nd.edu and Tom Zwiller at tzwiller@hcc-nd.edu

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