Notre Dame competed with an underdog mentality to start the 2024 season.

The Irish didn’t quite believe they could win big games, but they knew they had the talent to keep up with the top programs in the state.

This all changed within a month. During the first week of October, Notre Dame notched back-to-back blowout victories over Princeton, Old Bridge, Hunterdon Central and Governor Livingston.

Notre Dame had finally turned the corner and unlocked the potential that had been there all this time, and there was no looking back.

On Thursday, November 14, the Irish hit the road to face Paul VI in the NJSIAA Non-Public South regional championship. This was a battle of the two best Non-Public teams in New Jersey, and Notre Dame couldn’t afford to give Paul VI any momentum in a crowded gym.

Ranked No. 5 in the NJ.com Top 20 and second in its division, Notre Dame captured the first championship in school history.

Playing as error-free a match as a team can, Notre Dame defeated Paul VI, which has been in the top ranks in a season for the ages, with scores of 25-21 and 25-17.

“This is the greatest team Notre Dame has ever put on the field,” Notre Dame head coach Anthony Carpenter said. “These girls were a hit this season and their chemistry was undeniable. “We had a ‘team first’ mentality.”

This win is Notre Dame’s 23rd of the season and the biggest win in Irish history.

Earlier this fall, Notre Dame faced Paul VI in a best-of-5 contest and the game went to the final frame in favor of the No. 3 Eagles (22-3) in the season-deciding victory.

Notre Dame never forgot that loss.

Thursday saw Notre Dame’s third player reach triple-digit kills this season. Maya Foley had four kills along with her two blocks in the victory, giving her 100 points for the year.

She was joined by Cassady Smith’s eight kills and Maia Cinca’s seven kills. This year, Smith and Cinca (both seniors) combined for over 400 kills.

“We have an incredible senior class. Before the season started, we all said, “Well, this is our year. What are we going to do about it?’” “It’s been a great journey,” Smith said.

Megan Starke blasted home the game-winning point, which went down with one touch and sent the Irish into a frenzy in midfield.

“We are so lucky to be in this moment right now,” Deussing said. “I love these girls. I love this team.”

Deussing recently eclipsed 900 career digs and collected 15 more on Thursday.

Paul VI was up 8-7 in the opening set before a Cassady Smith kill tied the score at 8-all. Notre Dame held the lead throughout the entire set, including a 12-7 score.

In the second set, Smith traded kills with Paul VI’s Kassadi Avent, each recording four in a strong exchange.

The Irish saw their path to victory revived in the postseason with wins over 7-Trinity Hall, 3-Union Catholic and 2-Paul VI.

Notre Dame will face the Non-Public A North regional champions on Sunday at Immaculate Heart for the state championship at Franklin High School.

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PJ Potter can be reached at [email protected].