NDA stands for Notre Dame Academy, though in the 35th District Tournament, it’s come to mean Notre Dame Again — as the Pandas kept their crown in familiar hands.
Since the 35th District was formed with its current lineup of teams, Notre Dame has continued to reign year after year. Even in a top-five matchup for this year’s district title, that dominance didn’t change, as the No. 2-ranked Pandas swept No. 4 Beechwood on the Tigers’ home floor, 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-16).
The Pandas have countless district championships, but the rare opportunity to face another top-ranked team in a title game made this one stand out.
“This one’s special because Beechwood is ranked fourth in the state,” Notre Dame co-coach Hannah Colvin said. “We knew they were going to give us their best game and that it wasn’t going to be easy. It’s not just another year; it’s a year where you’re competing against a top-ranked team.”
Notre Dame has now won 53 straight matches against Ninth Region opponents and hasn’t dropped a single set in the district tournament since 2020 — when Holy Cross took one in the title match.
The Tigers’ chances came early in each set, largely through Beechwood senior Isabel O’Brien, the heart of a team ranked among the state’s best in kills per game at just over 11. O’Brien finished with eight kills.
“I think we set up a strong block against her, so we can kind of contain her,” Colvin said. “She’s a very, very strong player and brings a lot of heart and energy to that team. When she’s on, they’re really, really good.”
Beechwood’s chances were limited in the first set after the Pandas closed with a 9-0 run to win 25-10. In the final two sets, the match was nearly even until timeouts gave Notre Dame the chance to regroup and finish with set-ending runs.
Tied at 12 in the second set, the Pandas finished the Tigers off on a 12-7 run. In the third set, after Beechwood had cut the deficit to 13-10, Notre Dame ran away with an 11-6 finish.
On a team featuring eight upperclassmen, it was underclassman Makayla Roose who made a significant impact, earning MVP of the tournament.
“I definitely feel like blocking, getting over the net, and reading my hitters played a big part,” Roose said. “It’s really cool. Last year, watching all the amazing players and seeing all the players come through Notre Dame, it’s cool to actually be part of it and win MVP.”
Along with Roose, teammates Dara Jackson and Grace Portwood were named to the All-Tournament team. Others honored included Macy Armstrong and Maggie Dawson from Beechwood, Jaida Barnes from Holmes, and Maya Hayden from Holy Cross.
NDA (26-7) will be one of four district champions in the upcoming Ninth Region Tournament, facing a district runner-up in the opening round — either Conner, Dixie Heights, or Newport Central Catholic.
Beechwood (32-5) advances to the region tournament for the third straight year and will face either St. Henry, Ryle, or Highlands in the first round.
“I feel like our district prepares us for the region tournament when we have to run through Notre Dame and get that competition beforehand,” Beechwood head coach Matt Long said. “That’s a great way to go into region — playing teams like Notre Dame and even Holy Cross. I think it will help refine us and prepare us for what’s coming.”
Along with Notre Dame and Beechwood, four other teams ranked in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association’s top 25 will be part of the Ninth Region field: No. 8 St. Henry, No. 11 Ryle, No. 22 Conner, and No. 25 Highlands.
The Ninth Region Tournament begins Sunday at Ryle. The draw is Friday at 6 p.m.
More photos below, provided by Charles Bolton:
