The Fighting Irish secured major accolades in the ACC, with Thomas Ricciardelli being named Goalie of the Year, Shawn Lyght earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, and Kevin Corrigan recognized as Coach of the Year. Ricciardelli leads the ACC in save percentage and goals against average, while Lyght's repeat as Defensive Player highlights Notre Dame's dominance in this category. Corrigan has guided the team to a stellar 10-1 regular season record and multiple wins against top-five ranked opponents. Additionally, the Irish had four players named to the All-ACC Team, showcasing their depth and talent as they head into postseason play.

By the Numbers
  • Ricciardelli leads the ACC with a save percentage of 59.1 and a goals against average of 8.06.
  • Notre Dame has won the ACC Goalie of the Year award in three of its four seasons since its inception.
  • The Irish recorded four wins against top-five ranked teams, each by at least four goals.
Yes, But

Despite these accolades, the pressure mounts for Notre Dame to convert regular-season success into postseason victories, as historical trends show that postseason performance can differ significantly from regular-season achievements.

State of Play
  • The Fighting Irish are entering the ACC Tournament semifinals with momentum from a successful regular season.
  • Lyght and Ricciardelli's awards add pressure on them to perform as the team aims for an ACC title.
What's Next

Notre Dame will compete against Virginia in the ACC Tournament semifinals on May 1, where their previous success could significantly influence their chances of advancing further in the postseason.

Bottom Line

The recognition for Ricciardelli, Lyght, and Corrigan exemplifies Notre Dame's elite status in the ACC, yet true validation will hinge on their ability to capitalize on these accolades and secure postseason success.