Karlson comes up big for Notre Dame

Kristen Karlson came up big at the net and the Notre Dame volleyball team is off to its best start in 12 years because of it.

Karlson recorded seven kills and five solo blocks as Notre Dame held off Germantown Academy, 3-0, in a tough Inter-Ac League match Friday.

The 25-16, 25-15, 25-15 victory was the fifth in a row for the Irish (6-1, 2-0). Cassie Palumbo came up with eight kills and six assists.

In the Catholic Academies League:

Mount St. Joseph 3, Sacred Heart 2: The Mount had to win the last two sets to beat the feisty Lions (6-5, 0-2). Kerri Corcoran led the Sacred Heart attack with 13 kills. Juliana Michniak added 10 kills. Kellilynn Murray contributed 10 kills and 16 digs. Lauren Kilroy and Ally Schell combined for 37 digs, while Jessica McTaggart chipped in with 32 assists.

In nonleague action:

Upper Darby 3, Chichester 0: Evie Shanefield (14 kills) and Shakenna Walls (12 kills) powered the Royals (3-6, 1-3 Central League) past the Eagles, 25-16, 25-18, 25-17. April Hinkle (33 assists) and Sam Witmer (nine digs) also came up big for UD.