ERIE, Pa. - Like the first two games of the season, when the Notre Dame College women's basketball team visited Mercyhurst they grabbed on to an early lead and kept it until the final buzzer. NDC won 75-66 to start the season 3-0 for the first time since entering the NCAA Division II ranks. 

The teams went back and forth for the first five minutes of play before Katie Karalic hit a shot to put the Falcons up 12-10 with 4:39 to go in the first quarter. From there, Notre Dame never relinquished its lead. The Lakers were able to narrow NDC's lead down to a single possession at least once in the final three quarters, but could only get the game within three points difference. 

Jada Marone led both teams with 18 points after getting off to a hot start. At halftime, Marone was a perfect five-for-five from the field leading her team to a 39-31 lead at the break. Marone also led the Falcons with seven rebounds. 

Following close behind Marone's performance was Seina Adachi with 17 points. Adachi was able to do a bit of everything in the non-conference game adding five assists and five steals to her box score, marks that led the way for both units.

Both teams had 73 possessions, but due to Notre Dame's defense, which forced 22 turnovers, Mercyhurst only got off 49 shots compared to Notre Dame's 66. 

Jessie Stout joined Marone and Adachi in double digits with 12 points while Jen Oduho and Katie Karalic each tallied eight. 

Notre Dame will play an exhibition game at Bowling Green on Monday, November 18, at 5:30. The Falcons are back in action on Wednesday, November 20, at Malone for a 7 p.m. tip.