Box Score MARHSALL, Mo. – The Notre Dame Falcons hit the road for their first game of the 2016 season, and used a second half surge to defeat Missouri Valley, 16-7.
The Falcons (1-0) used an incredible, 8-1 rally in the second half to blow by the Vikings (0-1) to score the victory in their season opener.
In the first half of action, Notre Dame held a narrow, 8-7 advantage, before they were able to turn up the heat defensively, and shut down the Vikings in the second period of play.
"We came out slow, but in the second half. we really started to play like a team and picked it up," said Co-Captain
Darbie Barkman. "That's when we were able to increase the gap."
Darbie Barkman and
Brooke Czarnecki led the Falcons offensively with six goals apiece, while
Ashlee Boyko added a pair of goals, and both
Devyn Hambleton and
Halie Taylor each added a goal. Barkman and Czarnecki each added two assists.
"Our mental game was our biggest weakness in the first half," said Head Coach
Claire Kallio. "Once we made adjustments and trusted one another, it was a completely different game that had a nice flow to it."
Barkman led the Falcons with seven ground balls on the day, while
Vanessa Delano and Taylor weren't far behind with six each.
Lauren Ragsdale was strong in net for the Falcons, coming away with seven saves in the winning effort.
The victory was part of a Spring Trip for the Falcons, who got the opportunity to tour the city of St. Louis. While exploring the Gateway to the West, they were able to bond and see many of the city's fantastic sites.
"Each year spring break is our opportunity to bond with one another before season starts," said
Caitlin Howard. "This year in St. Louis we all had such a great time. If this is a reflection of the unity for the season, I believe we can take anything on together."
While exploring St. Louis, the Falcons practiced at Forest Park, the seventh largest urban park in America. They were able to see the Gateway Arch, Ballpark Village, City Garden, explored the City Museum, and ate at both Blueberry Hill and Italian at the Hill.
"We got to spend a few days at one of my favorite places in America, which a majority of them had never been," added Kallio. "I enjoyed our time with these ladies, especially experiencing a place as fun and diverse as Saint Louis. Experiences and memories like these are a huge part of being an NCAA student-athlete and I'm happy they have these to look back long after graduation."
The Falcons will return to action on Sunday, March 6, when they host Lake Erie in their home opener at Normandy Field. The contest is set for a 1 p.m. start.
