SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The Notre Dame College women's basketball team lost 71-64 to Fairmont State on Saturday afternoon despite a late-game push led by Jada Marone.
 
After winning the first quarter 14-12, and losing the second quarter 20-17, NDC heading into halftime trailing by one point (32-31). Fairmont State then built its lead up more by the end of the third quarter to 49-43.
 
In the fourth, both teams went on runs. But FSU's early run put Notre Dame in too deep of a hole to escape even though the Falcons went on a run in the second part of the fourth quarter.
 
Down by 13 points with 4:13 left to play, NDC closed the gap to a difference of just four twice late in the game. This comeback attempt was led by newcomer Marone in her fourth game at Notre Dame. Marone was 5-5 shooting in the final 4:12 of the game and scored 11 points to bring the Falcons back into the thick of things.
 
With the crowd on their side and Murphy Gymnasium rocking, Notre Dame felt the momentum, but just could not get past the deficit.
 
"The crowd was amazing to have today," said head coach Lauren Macer. "We're so thankful for the students, family and fans that packed the gym today and made it an exciting game to play in.
 
Marone led the team with 19 points in her second-straight game scoring in the double digits. Since making her debut on January 30, playing just five minutes, Marone has averaged 10.3 points per game, adding four rebounds, four assists and four steals.
 
"She is able to bring great energy that helps on both ends of the court," Macer said.
 
Joining Marone in double digits was Seina Adachi who put up 11. Adachi, along with Jessie Stout, also led the team in rebounds with eight. Theresa Parr and Katie Karalic each assisted on four field goals while Karalic and Kemp each blocked two shots.
 
Notre Dame will play two road games next week starting at Glenville State on Thursday, February 14, at 5:30 p.m.