Lindsay Schrader back and healthy for No. 4 Irish

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame guard Lindsay Schrader believes tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee three years ago might have been the luckiest break in her basketball career.

If not for that injury, she wouldn't be back for a fifth season with the fourth-ranked Fighting Irish, who have never been ranked this high heading into a season -- not even in their national championship season of 2000-01.

"If it wasn't for me tearing my ACL, I wouldn't have had an opportunity like this," Schrader said. "I don't think I've been this excited for a season. This team brings atmosphere and an attitude that I can't wait for everyone else to see."

The Irish return everyone from last season's squad that went 22-9 but lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. They also added one of the nation's top high school recruits, guard Skylar Diggins, whom coach Muffet McGraw describes as the most talented player to ever sign with the Irish.

Schrader leaves no doubt about what she wants to accomplish in her fifth season: at least a Final Four appearance and definitely a victory over top-ranked Connecticut. A national championship would be nice, too.

"I want to go out with a bang," Schrader said. "I want to finish my career saying I beat Connecticut."

The Irish are 4-22 all-time against UConn and haven't beaten the Huskies since 2005, the season before Schrader came to Notre Dame. The Irish believe they can beat UConn after giving the Huskies one of their toughest games last season. They'll get their first chance Jan. 16 after Big East play begins.

"Most other people say, 'Oh, great, we have Connecticut,'" Schrader said. "I say, 'Bring it on.'"

The Irish plan to bring a potent offensive attack and a pressing defense to opponents this season. They return four players who averaged double figures in scoring last season in Schrader (12.6 points), guard Ashley Barlow (12.7), forward Becca Bruszewski (10.7) and guard Melissa Lechlitner (10.6).

Diggins also is expected to add some offense, as are guards Natalie Novosel and Brittany Mallory.

One of the biggest questions facing the Irish is whether they will be strong enough in the post to play with elite teams. McGraw is hoping Erica Solomon, a 6-2 sophomore who scored 6 points a game last season averaging 16.5 minutes, can be at least part of the answer.

"If she is our most improved player, I think we would have had a great season," McGraw said.

Another challenge with 14 players will be finding the right combination at the right time.

"It's going to be a challenge, McGraw said.

McGraw is hoping the Irish will be have a big home court advantage after selling a record 7,500 season tickets fueled by excitement over Diggins, who is from South Bend.

"I think we feed off their enthusiasm and their energy," McGraw said of the fans.

Schrader believes having five seniors adds a sense of urgency that was missing last year.

"The last time around you just put your full effort into it and do the best you can," she said. "That's what we're going to do."