I know they have a horrible record this year, but they are desperate for a win and just got killed by Louisville and we are coming in there on a high. They might want it more than us which can be a problem. It is still Notre Dame and the atmosphere in that stadium will still be similar regardless of their record. That is a big time place to play in for the first time for just about everyone on the roster. Did Cole play there when she was with Louisville? If not Sheppard is the only one that has played at Notre Dame on our roster that I know of.

Plus this is an emotional game for Mabrey who probably is looking to prove herself even though she already has here. Last year she didn't play well at all but she was a freshman, don't know if that was due to the pressure or not. Now she has another year of experience and it is a different scenario all around but considering this might be the only realistic chance we have against Notre Dame for a long time makes it even more pressure filled plus the season we have had this year. If Notre Dame wins it really doesn't help them at all season wise but it can really hurt us losing to a team with their record even though it is on the road.

I really hope we get this win for the team and for Mabrey and hope they don't let the situation or environment get to them. When one team is desperate and the other team is on an extreme high that can result in bad things. I hope Mabrey drops at least 20 on them and we have multiple players in double figures on top of that. Might be too much to ask but you can still dream.

We definitely are the most talented team going in but sometimes that pressure gets to that team that is looking for a much larger picture at the end of the season. We have done a much better job in close games recently but I have a feeling if this one is close it might not go our way because the pressure to beat them for Mabrey will be high and the atmosphere there is way different than other road teams we have played. For her it is a rivalry game, and probably for the fans there too who seem to not be happy with her being a Hokie and not Irish. I know Mabrey still has 2 shots after this to beat them not counting the ACC Tournament, but they have star recruits coming in next year and I just don't see Notre Dame being this bad for more than one year. I hope Mabrey can at least get one win against them so she doesn't have to hear about it the rest of her life.

For anyone that actually read this all the way through, thanks for listening to me vent!