FROSTBURG, MD – Notre Dame College (12-11, 11-7 MEC) led for more than 36 minutes en route to their fifth straight victory, with a 52-47 win over Frostburg State (5-19, 4-14 MEC) on Saturday afternoon. Both sides struggled offensively which paved the way for another dominate rebounding performance for senior Tamia Ridley. The forward turned in 17 rebounds for the second consecutive game, making this the eighth occasion in which she has brought down at least 15 boards in a contest.
 
"Today our shots weren't falling, but we found a way and dug deep," stated head coach Imani Gordon. "I think our defense won us this game, and we also played together."
 
In the first quarter, NDC jumped out to a 6-0 lead and the Falcons were able to hold the Bobcats scoreless until the 5:07 mark. Notre Dame would maintain an 8-7 lead after a low-scoring first period.
 
The scoring picked up in the second quarter with NDC unleashing a 9-0 run over a quick 1:35 time frame to hold a 21-10 with 5:54 left in the half. Notre Dame would increase their lead to as many as 14 (26-12) after a Theresa Parr free throw with 1:32 left in the quarter. Frostburg State would play resiliently to close out the half with an 8-0 run to cut the Falcon lead to 26-20 at the break. Notre Dame however won the quarter 18-13.

In the third quarter, the Falcon lead was stationary between seven and 12 points, until an 8-0 Bobcat run to close out the quarter. Notre Dame held a 12-point lead at the 3:49 mark, before the FSU run ensued and capped off by a Maggie Sharp three-pointer. NDC led by just four points (36-32) with ten minutes remaining, after FSU won the stanza 12-10.
 
The fourth quarter did not disappoint as the game was within five points for the entire period. Frostburg State would leap in front, 42-41 for the first time since it was 7-6. Notre Dame would quickly answer and then refuse to give the lead up once more after a basket by Marina Adachi on the next possession. In fact, Notre Dame led for 36:29 on the game clock, compared to Frostburg State's 0:33 with the lead. A pair of late free throws by Jada Marone sealed the deal for the Falcons, 52-47 on the road.
 
On offense, eight different Falcons recorded points with freshman Lilee Carlson leading the way at a game-high 11 points (6-6 FT). Ridley added 8 points, while Adachi, Amil Ali-Shakir and Alana Ellis all contributed seven apiece. In addition, Ridley corralled a game-high 17 rebounds on the afternoon to add to her MEC-leading 12.7 rebounds per game.
 
"Everyone who played today contributed to our win in some way, mentioned Gordon. "It wasn't the prettiest win, but our girls are learning how to win by making adjustments, defending and playing together!"

The contest was a rather even affair despite Notre Dame leading for more than 90% of the game. In terms of shooting, NDC was 16-58 (27.6%), while FSU shot 16-55 (29.1%). The rebounding battle also favored the Bobcats 39-35, but the Falcons won the turnover battle 23-18.
 
Notre Dame College will be back in action on Wednesday Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. when they stay on the road and travel to the University of Charleston.