SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Starting off 2-0 in Mountain East Conference play is something the Notre Dame College women's basketball program had never accomplished until Monday evening with a 90-68 routing of UVa-Wise.
 
In 80 minutes of conference play this season, the team Falcons have led all but 81 seconds; in the win against the Cavaliers, the home team grabbed the lead and kept it the entire game.
 
During the first quarter, NDC had two strong runs. The Falcons led 7-0 early, and then went on a 10-0 run later in the quarter to give themselves a 21-12 lead after 10 minutes. Notre Dame went on another 10-point run in the second quarter and ultimately went into the second half outscoring UVa-Wise 28-6 in the last seven minutes of the first half.
 
As a team, NDC was hot in the first half as they made nearly 60 percent of their shots from the field, including 8-of-11 from three-point territory. Taking that many opportunities from distance wasn't initially part of the game plan, but it's tough to deny a hot hand.
 
"I keep telling them that we need to attack early, but once you get it going as a shooter they kind of get the green light to keep going," head coach Lauren Macer said.
 
The Falcons once again increased their lead in the third quarter and coasted to their third win of the season with 18 players total getting minutes in the game.
 
Senior guard Erin Haislah had a season-high 14 minutes off the bench and controlled the ball for much of the second half. Haislah was one of three players to score in the double digits with 10 points. Kim Cook and Kyleigh Ramlow led the team with 11 apiece.
 
"I was happy that I got in and was able to contribute by scoring some points for my team," Haislah said.
 
Coach Macer was more than willing to showcase her team's depth throughout the game as multiple players received season-high playing time.
 
"We go against each other everyday and mix up our groups so we are constantly challenging each other," Macer said. "They know they have an opportunity to get in any game; it just depends on who's shooting well, who's defending, who's rebounding. They know they have to go out and work because someone else will be waiting in that next spot."
 
Overall, the Falcons had season highs in scoring and shooting percentage (.500) while also converting on a season-high 14 three-pointers.
 
"The team was feeling it and they were building off each other," Macer said. "I think every time we talk, I mention how much we get in the gym. We've had games this season where our shots have been off and I keep telling the team that it's going to come. All of their hard work was displayed tonight."
 
"We get in the gym everyday and work on our shots, even before shootaround, we get in early and are always shooting," Haislah said. "Tonight was that night where it all came together."

Ramlow, Marisa Finazzo and Abi Oriti led the team with five rebounds each while Finazzo assisted on four field goals. 
 
Notre Dame will travel to Daemen College on Wednesday, November 22. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m.