Back-and-forth affair goes Notre Dame’s way in battle with Crusaders

The Notre Dame Bulldogs and Saxony Lutheran Crusaders clashed just days after district seedings were announced.

The Bulldogs earned the top seed in Class 3 District 1 and the Crusaders followed up with the second seed.

After falling behind 2-1 in the match, the Bulldogs won set 4 25-23 and finished it off in set 5 15-12 to walk away victorious with a 3-2 win.

“That was a fun, fun game,” Bulldogs coach Meredith Brinkmeyer said. “I told my ream that during one of the timeouts. We need games like these as we get closer to the postseason.”

Thursday’s match certainly was a potential district championship preview, something that was a motivating factor for the Bulldogs.

“We know we have a strong district this year,” Brinkmeyer said. “This is definitely a big confidence booster but we can’t settle. It shows us that we are capable of beating them which is something that we need.”

With both clubs battling in the fifth set, Notre Dame’s Brie Rubel went down with an injury.

After sitting for four sets, Brinkmeyer called on Skylar Craft to sub in for the injured Rubel.

“I just looked at her and told her to have confidence because she’s a good passer,” Brinkmeyer said. “I think a lot of (what helped her) is the experience she has from other sports and playing at the varsity level. She’s a calm player that can go in it and be ready.”

This week has been a crucial one for the Bulldogs. On Monday they defeated Advance after falling to the Hornets at Dig For Life.

They followed up that act by defeating the Crusaders who they fell to at the SEMO Conference Tournament.

“These girls are willing to work and do whatever they need to do to get their revenge,” Brinkmeyer said.

As postseason play nears the Bulldogs appear to be peaking at the right time.

“We just need to continue going up from here,” Brinkmeyer said. “We’re a young team and I don’t think a lot of people remember that. We’re starting three sophomores, two juniors and just one senior. Just to see their composure and their fight that they’re willing to give is awesome and it’s exciting.”

Saxony Lutheran (17-5) is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 7, when they play in the Jackson Varsity Tournament at Jackson High School.

Notre Dame (20-5-3) will have the rest of the week off before retuning to play at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9 when the Bulldogs travel to take on the Poplar Bluff Mules.