Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com NOV. 7, 2020 59 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL Vaughn, has been limited to about 50 percent capacity in practices. Whether she will participate in game action this season is to be determined later. If one had to guess the starting lineup, what would it be? Minus Vaughn right now, it likely would feature the Walker, Peoples, Brunelle and Gilbert quartet, with Mabrey added into the four-guard, perimeter-oriented lineup. Former top-five recruit Brunelle is in line to be the face of the program the next several years. In our opin- ion, Peoples was the best all-around player on both ends of the court last season prior to her injury. And the addition of Mabrey provides the in- stant spark that Ivey anticipated. "She brings so much leadership … it just brought another dimension to the team," Ivey said. "She brings the intangibles: she's tough and she brings a 'swag,' ... energy and confidence, and that's something that's going to be very beneficial for our team." Two other Mabreys starred at Notre Dame — current assistant Mi- chaela (2012-16) and all-time three- point leader Marina (2015-19). Dara started every game of her freshman and sophomore seasons at Virginia Tech before entering the transfer portal this spring. As a fresh- man in 2018-19, she led Tech in as- sists, averaged 11.2 points per game and finished third nationally in three- point percentage (46.2) while sinking a single-season school-record 80. Mabrey averaged 11.7 points last season, and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists in a 68-62 win at Notre Dame Feb. 20. Her three-point shooting skills are a crucial addition to a Notre Dame team that among 349 teams last year finished 317th in three-point field- goal percentage converted (27.1) and 309th in three-point goals made per game (4.1). "She does a really good job of bring- ing the team together," Ivey noted. "When they're struggling in practice, she's the first one to bring the group together to get them focused. "She's always being vocal, and she's always the one leading in the text threads. She just makes sure everyone is where they need to be in whatever situation we have off the court." Which of the five freshmen is most likely to help right away? That would be 6-3 Maddy West- beld — whose sister Kathryn was a starter and remarkable leader for the 2018 national champs. "She came in with a college body, and I feel she's had the easiest transi- tion coming from high school," Ivey said. "She's definitely someone you guys will be talking about later. "She has an incredible work ethic … she can play the one through five position, and that's something we need right now." What is the prime concern? Size, especially with Vaughn and Marshall limited right now, which translates to rebounding. Among 349 Division I teams last year, Notre Dame was 309th in re- bound margin with a minus-5.7 aver- age per game. What might be a realistic projection in 2019- 20? It all starts with returning to the NCAA Tournament, which is certainly doable with the presence of five Mc- Donald's All-Americans on the roster. With relatively decent health and the return of a healthy Vaughn, a win or two in the tournament would be a bonus. ✦ MEMORABILIA Vintage Notre Dame Memorabilia Augie's Locker Room ND Stadium Items, Jerseys, Helmets, Autographs and One-of-a-Kind Rockne Items. COME INTO THE STORE TO SEE OUR RARE NOTRE DAME HELMET DISPLAY, 1900 - PRESENT!! Voted Best Notre Dame Collectibles in the Country! 1811 South Bend Ave. South Bend , I n 46637 574-277-NDND (6363) www.augieslockerroom.com FACEBOOK.COM/AUGIESLOCKERROOM NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAMES on VHS or DVD for sale, from 1928 to present. Contact Peter Rahas at 7700 Golden Filly St., Las Vegas, NV 89131 or call 1-702-395-2974 PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER - Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruit- ful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have re- course to thee. (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times). Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands. (3 times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for 3 days and after 3 days your request will be granted and the prayer must be published. Thank you. E.G.S. PERSONALS M A R K E T P L A C E Call 877-630-8768 to advertise in Blue & Gold Illustrated! Want a prayer published? Call 800-421-7751 Guard Anaya Peoples, one of three returning All-ACC freshmen for the Irish from last sea- son, averaged 12.6 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds per game before undergoing shoulder surgery in late January. PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS