Notre Dame Academy wasted no time seizing control of its KHSAA state volleyball semifinal on Saturday at George Rogers Clark High School, powering past North Oldham in straight sets, 3–0 (25–13, 25–20, 25–10).
The win books a familiar date in the championship match. The Pandas’ rhythm was unmistakable from the opening serve, and when it came time to put sets away, they slammed the door with authority.
In the first and third sets, Notre Dame strung together the kind of decisive, momentum-swinging runs that have defined its postseason push. The Pandas overwhelmed North Oldham early in the first set, establishing tempo behind crisp ball control and a clean service game. Teagan Kondik tallied six of her game-high 15 kills in the set.
“Coming out, swinging really hard, and working on your shots, I have these notes written down from scouting teams and everything,” Kondik said. “And when you start to hit those shots and find their weaknesses, that really helps your team get on a roll and get super energized.”
After North Oldham pushed back in the second—pulling within striking distance at 17-16—the Pandas responded with poise, taking eight of the final 12 points to secure the frame. The third set looked much like the first: Notre Dame’s offense hit full stride, and the Pandas closed emphatically behind Grace Portwood’s four kills in the set.
“After winning two sets, I think we just wanted to take momentum all we can and just finish out the game there so we can save our legs for this big match we have coming up tonight,” Portwood said. “Wanted to keep our energy high and get ready to prepare for the finals.”
The attack was relentless throughout, totaling 52 kills. Setter Lizzy Larkins steered the offense with 22 assists, and libero Dara Jackson anchored the backcourt with 16 digs. Notre Dame’s serving was steady as well—just three errors, all in the opening set to eight aces—allowing the Pandas to stay in system and dictate pace.
Co-head coach Hannah Colvin said the group is playing its best volleyball of the season at exactly the right moment, a promising sign heading into another storied showdown.
“We’re being relentless out there,” Colvin said. “We’re playing with heart. I think this is the most together and the most heart we’ve been playing with all season. So I think that’s a great way to head into the state finals.”
And of course, standing between Notre Dame and an 11th state championship is a very familiar opponent.
For the ninth time since the KHSAA state volleyball tournament began in 1979, Notre Dame and Assumption will meet for the title. Both swept their semifinal matches on Saturday, with the Rockets dispatching Lexington Catholic 3–0 (25–15, 25–22, 25–15) to reach yet another final as they chase their 25th state crown.
The rivalry is as historic as it is intense, and Saturday night’s matchup will hinge on Notre Dame’s ability to replicate the rhythm, balance, and clean execution that defined its semifinal.
“I think we’re ready to face them,” Colvin said. “I think it’s going to be a battle. Both teams are really, really good. The first time we faced them, we didn’t win a set, so coming out with that in mind and a little bit of a revenge mindset, but also, they’re ranked first in the state, and we’re ranked second, so we’re kind of the underdog in this and we just want our girls to go out there and play, have fun, play with heart, and play together. And no matter what happens, obviously we want to win a state championship, but we’re ending on a high note, and we’re going to be extremely proud of these girls.”
First serve is set for 7:30 p.m. at George Rogers Clark, where the latest chapter of Kentucky’s defining volleyball rivalry awaits.
PANDAS 3, LADY MUSTANGS 0
NORTH OLDHAM — 13-20-10 — 0
NOTRE DAME — 25-25-25 — 3
Game Stats
Kills: North Oldham 25, Notre Dame 52
Aces: North Oldham 1, Notre Dame 8
Errors: North Oldham 20, Notre Dame 15
Service Errors: North Oldham 3, Notre Dame 3
Assists: North Oldham 23, Notre Dame 44
Digs: North Oldham 38, Notre Dame 48
Records: North Oldham 26-12, Notre Dame 32-7