WASHINGTON - The new Padden Court inside the Field House made its official debut here Wednesday night before a boisterous crowd of 272, who cheered on the Gallaudet University women's volleyball team in its home opener. The Bison celebrated a 3-1 victory over Notre Dame of Maryland University as GU won 25-12, 19-25, 25-18, 25-16 during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Gallaudet improved its record to 12-2 as the win streak increased to nine. The Bison did drop their first set in nearly two weeks to snap a consecutive set-win streak at 23. 

Sophomore Citrine Lummer (Frederick, Md.) led the Bison with 15 kills and two blocks while senior Natalie Clayberg (Pella, Iowa) recorded a double-double with 14 kills and 14 digs. Clayberg led GU with three service aces as the buff and blue finished the match with eight aces. Junior setter Ella Gamble (Cullowhee, N.C.) passed out 45 assists. Junior Anya Pothorski (Columbis, Ohio) finished the game with three blocks (two solo) while first year Jada Zarembka (Riverside, Calif.) matched Pothorski with three blocks (one solo).

The Gators (4-6) were led by Miasia Ferrer's eight kills while Emma Mueller passed out 13 assists in the loss.

Notre Dame, now a member of the United East Conference, competes in the Skye Division for women's volleyball while GU is in the Volt Division. This match was considered a non-conference contest for both teams.

Padden Court, which was redesigned this past summer to show notable landmarks in the nation's capital here in D.C. and from Gallaudet's campus. In addition to a new design on the court there was the debut of the UltraVision video board that added to the electric atmosphere. The game also marked the first for women's volleyball with the new LED lights in the gym.

Prior to the start of the game the two teams came together to show solidarity during Mental Health Awareness Week at GU. Former Gallaudet student-athlete and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member Ariel Senics shared some comments about the importance of Mental Health and how to get help. Gallaudet's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff handed out green shirts to fans to promote mental health awareness. If you are a Gallaudet student and you are in need of help please reach out to faculty and staff to help you. You can also reach out to CAPS at https://gallaudet.edu/counseling-psychological-services/. 

UP NEXT
Gallaudet will next host the annual Worthington Classic this Friday and Saturday in the Field House. The tournament will feature eight teams and 16 matches over the course of two day. GU begins things on Friday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. against Cedar Crest College.