LANGHORNE, Pa. – After dropping a set for the first time in eight matches, Notre Dame of Maryland University responded to win the next three, earning a key 3-1 victory at Cairn to become the lone remaining unbeaten team in Colonial States Athletic Conference play. Set scores were 24-26, 25-18, 25-19, 25-23.

The Gators (10-6, 4-0 CSAC) now have an eight-match winning streak, their longest since a run of 13 straight in 2019, and they halted a six-match winning streak for the Highlanders (13-3, 3-1 CSAC). Jade Stewart registered a career-high 31 digs defensively, Paulina Hernandez had a career-best seven aces to go along with 15 digs, and Ciarra Bockstie matched a career best with 14 kills. Emma Mueller added 21 assists, 12 digs, and seven kills while leading the team with a .333 attack percentage.

After Cairn edged out NDMU in the opening set, the teams were deadlocked at 10-10 in the following frame. Back-to-back solo blocks by Gabbi Taganas began a 9-2 run for the visitors, and three-straight kills from Stewart allowed the Gators to open up a 23-15 advantage. Taganas finished with five blocks, matching a season high, while Stewart ranked second on the team with eight kills.

Mueller then had a pair of aces and a kill during a dominant 9-1 stretch for the Gators to open up the third set. The Highlanders briefly got within two points at 18-16, but NDMU would never trail in the frame.

The Gators then trailed 13-11 midway through the fourth set. Two aces from Hernandez, one from Mueller and kills by Mueller and Rosemary O'Brien highlighted a 7-1 run which put NDMU back in control. The Highlanders rallied to tie the score at 23-23, but a Natalie Newton kill and a Cairn attack error finished off the match.

Newton totaled 17 assists and 11 digs, while Candace Forgach-Aguilar contributed 13 digs to the defensive effort.

Stewart's 31 digs were four above her previous career best, and the second most by a CSAC student-athlete this season. Bockstie's 14 kills were her most this fall, and she also supplied three blocks in the victory.

NDMU is back at MBK Sports Complex on Thursday, hosting Albright at 7 p.m.