SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Getting off to a strong start is something that head coach Lauren Macer has been emphasizing with her team recently. And in two home games this week, the Notre Dame College women's basketball team has done just that. On Saturday afternoon, it led to a 78-62 against West Virginia Wesleyan,
 
The Falcons nearly doubled the output of their opponents in the first 10 minutes of play, going up 20-11. NDC forced seven turnovers and made four field goals from beyond the three-point line in the first quarter to set the pace for the remainder of the game.
 
"It's something we definitely focused on today," Macer said on her team's first quarter performance. "We enjoy playing at home and today we were excited to come out and play with high energy and focus."
 
Kyleigh Ramlow started the game off strong and highlighted the first quarter making a trio of threes on the same amount of attempts.
 
"I try to bring a lot of energy to the court," Ramlow said of her blazing start. "When I can make some threes it brings us all together I think. I try to start it off hot so we can keep it going. Once we get the energy it stays with us throughout the rest of the game."
 
Notre Dame kept things going by winning each of the four quarters in the game to steadily increase the lead and ultimately win by 16.
 
After taking a 40-30 lead into halftime, NDC once again came out to a strong start in the second half, but this time it was Katie Karalic who led the way. Karalic, who brought the ball up the court multiple times throughout the game, made all four of her shot attempts and added a free throw to score nine points in the third quarter.
 
Karalic finished with 16 points and five assists as she showed her ability to play the point guard when needed.
 
"Katie is a captain for us and is someone that does whatever we need her to do," Macer said. "Last year we had her playing the four a lot and this year she's been playing the one sometimes. She's very versatile and a big team player. She'll guard the best player on the other team and she just does everything we ask of her."
 
Ramlow and Karalic led both teams in scoring as they combined for 36 points, with Ramlow leading the way with 20. The junior from Toledo, Ohio finished with six threes on eight attempts.
 
"My teammates constantly tell me to keep shooting," Ramlow said. "I've just been listening to their encouragement and listening to our coaches who are always on us to get in the gym. Everyone around me has influenced me to be the best that I can."
 
Jessie Stout joined the pair of guards in double-digit scoring with 12 points, making all six of her attempts. Stout also led the team with five rebounds. Seina Adachi added seven points and four assists while Alli DeLaney hit two threes for six points and secured four rebounds.
 
The win moves NDC's record to 8-6, 5-3 MEC and provides some much needed momentum heading forward to 14-straight conference games.
 
"[Today's win] was very important because it could have pushed us to be a .500 team if we lost," Ramlow said. "This win gives us some confidence to get rolling again."
 
Notre Dame heads on the road next week with a game on Thursday, January 17, at Shepherd. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.