PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Notre Dame (1-0, 1-0 AMC) opened the season for the sixth consecutive year with a win handing Carlow (1-1, 0-1 AMC) their 12th consecutive loss to the Falcons, 74-47.

The Blue and White opened the American Mideast Conference play for the fifth straight year with a win
A fierce NDC defense forced the host Celtics into 31 turnovers resulting in 26 steals turning into 33 points, ensuring the Falcons their fifth straight American Mideast Conference opening win. The Falcons' defense was led by seven steals by #Tracy Payne# a sophomore from Danville, Ohio. Payne added 10 points while #Yvette Hunter# a senior from Jamestown, N.Y. picked up her 500th rebound in the first minute of action while adding 11 points and finishing with nine rebounds.

The Blue and White had 15 players see action with 12 getting in the scoring column, led by #Yvette Hunter# with 11 points, and nine rebounds and #Tracy Payne#, 10 points and seven steals.

In a first half that saw three lead changes and three ties, the visiting Falcons extended their lead to 20 points through the opening period for a 43-23 lead.

The Falcons would never look back extending their lead to 27 points for a 74-47 win over the Celtics.