The Marian volleyball team isn’t looking for window dressing for its record.

Instead of padding the non-league schedule with layup matches, coach Maria Serina had loaded it with high-caliber opponents.

Serina is obviously a believer that facing better competition will ultimately make her team better.

Notre Dame of Green Pond was the latest top-notch opponent the Fillies faced as the Crusaders posted a 25-22, 25-23, 25-22 victory on Monday night.

The sweep was far from a walk in the park for the Crusaders, who improved to 8-1 on the season. But they came up big in the late stages on all three sets to pull out the win. The loss drops Marian to 8-5 overall.

“We want to play good competition, so we can find out how good we can be,” explained Serina about her scheduling philosophy. “When we can play bigger, stronger, faster teams, I’m all up for it.”

Notre Dame’s ability to pass and hit the ball is a reason why this squad should be a real force in the district Class 2A tourney.

The Crusaders rallied around the team’s setter, lanky Carly Campbell, and when she wasn’t at the forefront, Abby Calon, Hannah Lilly and Denali Cintron all were at one point or another. That collective group combined for a dominating performance.

“We have a great group that has a feel for the game,” said Notre Dame coach Sarah Wukitzh. “We knew Marian has a very good program that’s always a top team in districts. We knew we had to play solid volleyball to beat them ... which we did.”

The Fillies slid in front to open the first set 12-7, but Notre Dame was methodical, as it kept digging and serving and looking to pass to the open player. They rallied around the rangy Campbell, who finished the night with eight assists and 20 kills.

“Our issues are inconsistency,” Serina said. “Those are things we’ve got to clean up. The kids are going out to compete. We just need to be consistent. We need to not hurt ourselves with unforced errors.”

Those errors surfaced late in the first set as Notre Dame took advantage of six straight Fillie errors to rally for the victory.

Things played out much the same in the second set as Marian led 18-15, before the Crusaders took advantage of three late unforced Marian errors to rally for the victory.

Marian also led late in the third set before a 5-0 Notre Dame burst closed out the set and the match.

“There were too many balls dropping, and too much hesitancy,” Serina said. “But we absolutely can clean that up.”

TOUGH SCHEDULE ... In addition to Notre Dame, the Fillies have played non-league matches against District 3 Class 3A contenders Schuyllkill Valley and Brandywine Heights, as well as District 2 Class 4A Hazleton. They have also scrimmaged powers Parkland and Easton, and this past weekend played in the highly-competitive Northampton Invitational Tournament.

SMOOTH OPERATOR … Campbell was a clever player. She seldom slammed shots, instead opting for a soft kill, or seeking an open spot to drop the ball in the area.

SHE CAN PLAY … One has to enjoy the way Marian’s Abbey Kluck competes. Kluck is a do-it-all type player from her outside hitter spot who was stellar in the losing effort, finishing with 15 kills and 13 digs. The Fillies also got seven kills from Lara Cancio.

GETTING THEIR DIGS … Zoe Katona, Caydense Smith and Megan Reaman all had eight digs apiece for the Fillies.