Rivalry Continues to Grow in Northwest Ohio
Long standing rivalry between St. Ursula Academy and Notre Dame Academy is as intense as ever
St. Ursula Academy volleyball and their student section celebrating after defeating their rival, Notre Dame Academy, on September 10, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Jacob Peters.
By Molly Malone and Aubrey Massey
September 22, 2025
TOLEDO, OH – There is no comparison to the atmosphere of excitement that comes with rivalry games. It means something different when the only two all-girls Catholic schools in the area are competing.
The rivalry between St. Ursula Academy (SUA) and Notre Dame Academy (NDA) is one of the biggest rivalries in Northwest Ohio.
The spirit is unmatched when it comes to this rivalry, but it comes with a price. Understanding how to uphold sportsmanship is the key to success. Michael Donnelly, SUA’s athletic director, says that “the adults have to set the examples as the coaches and the athletic director”. Keeping a positive environment is essential while dealing with this rivalry.
On the volleyball court, the matchup has been dubbed “The Showdown at Savage” because they compete at the University of Toledo in the John F. Savage Arena. SUA’s Varsity team has been dominant on the volleyball court for the past seven years, beating NDA nine times in a row, the most recent being on Sept. 10, 2025. Jason Reilly, SUA’s head coach, emphasizes that keeping control of their emotions is the key to success.
“The team that controls their emotions the best will win it,” Reilly said.
SUA games draw attention from the media, with news sources making appearances. This adds to the emotion, but it also adds to the motivation to succeed.
“London (Cohen) and I's strategy was, if we win, we get to be on BCSN, ” said Rose DiSalle, a senior on the SUA tennis team. Having these unique opportunities within this rivalry makes it more fun for the athletes.
James (Jimmy) Scott has been involved in this rivalry for years on the soccer field. Although a coach for SUA, his daughter played for NDA.
“This is one of the greatest rivalries in high school sports, especially in Northwest Ohio,” said Scott.
He and Izzy Nitschke, a senior soccer player, both emphasized the importance of getting students involved. The SUA vs. NDA soccer game is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. at SUA, and the players and coaches are hoping for a big turnout.
“It adds to a better atmosphere when we’re playing,” Nitschke said.
SUA has dominated this rivalry for the past few years, taking wins in both the regular season and the state tournament. Continuing the upbeat and energetic environment surrounding these games is the key to keeping the competition flowing.
