WESTERVILLE, Ohio – On Thursday, Notre Dame College scored nine goals in the second half and set a program record with seven free position goals, in a 16-10 victory over Otterbein University. The Falcons have now won their season opener in four of the last five seasons.

Following a tough save by NDC's sophomore Ellejanna Cicione, the Falcons went down the field and put the first goal on the scoreboard with 26:21 to go in the opening half. Freshman Kendal Johnson scored her first career goal off an assist by sophomore Danyelle Hardy.

Hardy would also assist on the third goal of the game when freshman Ebony Reddick was cutting straight toward the goal, received a line drive pass and put the ball in the net with 21:56 on the clock.

Six minutes later, an NDC shot was saved by OU goalkeeper Leah McNutt. But, Hardy continued to make her presence known as she stayed in front of the Otterbein keeper until she forced a bad pass. When that happened, Hardy knocked the ball down with her stick and then swept the ball into the net. Notre Dame led, 4-1.

The NDC defense made their presence known early, especially in the first 15 minutes when the Falcons forced two turnovers because the possession clock ran out on Otterbein's offense.

The Cardinals would score three of the last four goals of the first half, but NDC went into the halftime break leading, 7-6.

Reddick had three goals in the first half, while Johnson added two goals. Hardy totaled one goal and two assists. On defense, freshman Noel Saffold caused two turnovers.

Notre Dame scored the first three goals in the second half, but the Falcons were also impressive on the other side of the field. In the first 16 minutes of the second half, Cicione recorded seven saves and allowed just one goal. She saved back-to-back free position shots around the 19-minute mark.

The NDC offense continued to click and after freshman Cecily Anderson scored a free position goal with 12:40 to play in the game, Notre Dame led by eight goals, 15-7.

The Falcons efficiency was apparent in the final stats, as they took 32 shots in the game and 29 were shots on goal. All 17 shots by NDC in the second half were on goal.

Reddick finished the game with four goals on seven shots. Johnson added three goals and grabbed four groundballs. Hardy led the team with three assists to go along with three goals, totaling six points. Junior Dallas Plewes had two goals. Five players scored at least one free position goal.

On February 22, the Falcons come home to play Gannon University on Normandy Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.