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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

State volleyball roundup: Baylor, Notre Dame reach TSSAA title rounds

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / East Hamilton's Laila Ankar had 10 digs to help her team win Wednesday in the TSSAA Class AA volleyball state tournament.
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / East Hamilton's Laila Ankar had 10 digs to help her team win Wednesday in the TSSAA Class AA volleyball state tournament. Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / East Hamilton's Laila Ankar had 10 digs to help her team win Wednesday in the TSSAA Class AA volleyball state tournament.

While COVID-19 has prevented fan bases from being at full force this fall when it comes to attending high school sporting events, Notre Dame’s volleyball team felt a great wave of support Wednesday during the TSSAA Division II-A state tournament in Murfreesboro.

After beating Goodpasture Christian to reach Thursday’s title round, the Lady Fighting Irish watched video messages from excited classmates after their 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 semifinal win at Middle Tennessee Christian School, a match that went back and forth despite being a straight-sets sweep for Notre Dame.

“Our girls were super excited to see the video clips of their friends watching the match and celebrating the win back at school,” coach Dan Clotfelter said. “That was huge. One of the things with COVID is the students haven’t been able to come see us play as much. We are fun to watch and have a good following inside the student body. I think you could hear the yell from the school here in Murfreesboro after the final point.”

Notre Dame (32-4) will face Goodpasture again at noon Eastern on Thursday at MTCS, this time with the title at stake. The Lady Cougars (31-3) would have to win twice to be crowned champions because Notre Dame has yet to lose in the double-elimination tournament.

In the DII-AA title round, also Thursday at MTCS, Baylor will face Briarcrest Christian at 3 p.m. Eastern.