SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – It was a tight game against No. 10 California (Pa.) on Sunday, but the Notre Dame College women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season 85-76.
 
The Falcons went into halftime down 47-42 and were able to stay on pace with the Vulcans due to five three-point field goals, including two from Kyleigh Ramlow.
 
During the third quarter, Cal pulled away 64-54 as NDC struggled to contain Shatara Parsons. Parsons scored 10 points in the third quarter and led the game with 32 points.
 
In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame came out strong closing the 10-point game to four points in the first 2:37 of the final 10 minutes. It was California's turn to go on a streak after that moment to push its lead back up to 13 before winning by nine.
 
The Falcons are now 1-1 after the MEC/PSAC Challenge, and despite the loss, playing with a top-10 team showed what the team can do early in the season. 
 
"The team played hard, but Cal out played us on some possessions," head coach Lauren Macer said. "It's something for us to learn from. We battled with a great team. It's game two of the season so we have some room for growth."
 
Leading NDC was lone senior Kim Cook who finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Cook made seven of her 12 attempts and also recorded four assists.
 
"She got in the gym and shot this morning because she knew we needed her to hit today," Macer said. "That's a great thing to see from our senior. She's not just content being out there, she wants to be better for the team."
 
Rounding out the box score for the Falcons were Mackenzie Meckes, Kyleigh Ramlow and Katie Karalic who each hit the double-digit scoring mark while Marisa Finazzo distributed the ball well with six assists.
 
This is the fourth year in a row that NDC has started off its season in the MEC/PSAC Challenge against Mercyhurst and California. Macer saw some things in this series that she believes will help them succeed when conference play starts next weekend.
 
Before playing MEC opponent Concord on Saturday, November 18, Notre Dame will travel to Ashland on Tuesday, November 14. The game in Ashland, Ohio is scheduled to tip at 6 p.m.