Women’s Lacrosse: No. 4 Notre Dame Downs No. 7 Duke, 13-9

Bridget Deehan proved Sunday that she’s one of the ACC’s top goaltenders, stopping 12 shots in a 13-9 Notre Dame victory over Duke in Durham, N.C.

The senior netminder repeatedly stymied Blue Devils attackers, turning away four of Duke’s seven first-half attempts, including this gorgeous kick save on a Blue Devils fast break.

Nine different players tallied goals for the No. 4 Irish (5-2, 2-2 ACC), who notched their second road win over a ranked team in one week. The No. 7 Blue Devils (6-4, 2-3 ACC) got 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) from freshman attack Katie DeSimone in the losing effort.

Notre Dame’s ability to win in the draw circle and finish second-chance scoring opportunities helped it stake out an 8-3 halftime lead. After ceding the game’s first goal, the Irish scored four in a row. Senior midfielder Andie Aldave, named this offseason to the Tewaaraton Award watch list for best overall player, scored her first goal of the season. Attack Maddie Howe, Aldave’s classmate, followed five minutes later with her 14th goal of the year. Graduate attack Jessi Masinko notched her seventh of the season following Deehan’s kick save and Aldave added her second to make it 4-1.

Sophomore Madison Ahern earned a yellow card, giving Duke a woman-up advantage. DeSimone capitalized on a free position attempt to make it 4-2, but Hannah Dorney deposited a rebound in the back of the net for the Irish three minutes later.

The Irish had their own woman-up advantage following a Duke yellow card. Sixth-year attack Samantha Lynch capitalized, scoring her team-leading 21st goal. Sophomore attack Jackie Wolak added two goals before half.

At half, the Irish had outshot the Blue Devils 21-9 (16-7 on goal), picked up more ground balls (14 to 8), won more draw controls (8 to 5) and committed fewer fouls (15 to Duke’s 18).

The second half was almost the opposite, as junior attack Maddie Jenner began dominating Aldave in the draw control circle. The Blue Devils won 8 of 12 draws, leading to 17 shots in the Irish’s end (14 on goal) to the Irish’s eight. Notre Dame capitalized on their few opportunities, however, scoring on five of six shots on goal. Three of those came against senior goalie Chase Henriquez, who replaced the injured Julia Rose about halfway through the second frame.

The Irish’s second-half goals were scored by sophomore midfielder Kasey Choma (who found the back of the net twice), graduate midfielder Erin McBride, sophomore attack Madison Ahern (off a free position attempt) and a second goal from Lynch during a woman-up opportunity.

Notre Dame will continue its ACC road tour with a noon EDT contest Saturday against Virginia. The Cavaliers are 8-2, having beaten Virginia Tech, Louisville in ACC play, splitting a series with Duke and having lost to Boston College. ACC Network Extra will host a livestream.