The Valparaiso University volleyball team dropped its home opener on Tuesday evening in three straight games to Notre Dame by scores of 30-22, 30-24, 30-18.

Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) led the Crusaders offensively with nine kills, while Heather Hynds (Sylvan Lake, Ill./Mundelein H.S.) added seven more and had a team-leading .211 hitting percentage.

Hansen and Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) each had 12 digs defensively, while Hynds had three blocks. Cyndi Norman (Minooka, Ill./Minooka H.S.) led the Brown and Gold with 27 assists.

Emily Loomis led the Fighting Irish with 11 kills, while Katie Neff added seven and hit .462. Janie Alderete had 12 digs, while Lauren Brewster and Neff each led the team with three blocks. Kristen Kinder had 32 assists for Notre Dame (4-2).

The Fighting Irish outhit the Crusaders .227-.070 for the match, and outblocked Valpo 10-4.

The Crusaders will return to the court this weekend when they travel to Washington D.C. for the Georgetown Classic. Friday they will face Penn in a 4 p.m. CDT match.