BALTIMORE, MD – The University of Valley Forge women's basketball team traveled to Baltimore on Monday to take on Notre Dame of Maryland University.  After a close and hard fought contest, the Patriots were defeated 60-49.

The teams traded baskets during the opening minutes of the first half.  After a jumper from Mikala Brinson, the score was tied (6-6) with 13:14 to play.  However, the Patriots did not do a good job of taking care of the ball in the first half, committing 16 turnovers.  Notre Dame took advantage of their opportunities and jumped out to a 19-11 lead after a layup from Zaria Comer.  The Patriots had a tough time stopping Comer.  She finished the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds.  A three pointer from Bailey Mayforth trimmed the lead to five (23-18) with 2:25 to play in the half. Notre Dame countered with a pair of three pointers and went into the locker room leading 31-20.

The Patriots knew they had to clean up their game in the second half, and they did.  After trailing by as many as 14, the team rallied and brought it back to a 5 point game with 14:43 remaining.  One minute later, Mayforth hit another three and the lead was down to just two!  Mayforth finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds.  Notre Dame was not shaken though, as they responded with a 7-0 scoring run of their own.  Over the next several minutes, the teams traded baskets and Notre Dame held the lead.  After two free throws from Jerylin Ellis at 4:29, the Patriots still trailed (49-42).  They tightened up on defense and continued to get stops.  Naomi Thompson then hit a jumper to bring the margin to five with 2:35 to play.  However, Notre Dame was able to respond, yet again, and sealed the game with good free throw shooting down the stretch.  They pulled away and won by a final score of 60-49.

The Patriots were led in scoring by Mikala Brinson, 19 points, who also tallied 5 assists.  Jerylin Ellis scored a career-high 9 points on a perfect 3-3 shooting and 3-4 from the free throw line.  Ariene Ohimor led the team in rebounds, notching 10.

The team has two more games this week, each at The Pit!  They will host Baptist Bible College on Thursday at 7 PM and Trinity Washington University on Saturday at 2 PM.

Go Patriots!