Box Score Baltimore, Md.  --  The Notre Dame of Maryland University lacrosse team defeated Hollins University 16-12 in Saturday's home opener. 

The Gators were led by freshman Megan Morales (Joppa, Md./Catholic), who notched eight goals and an assist.  Freshman Kirstin McGee (Middle River, Md./Catholic) posted four goals and five assists in the effort, while sophomore Kaitlyn Walter (Hampstead, Md./Manchester Valley) added three goals with five assists.  Junior Brittany Smith (Parkville, Md./Howard Community College) also chipped in with her first goal of the season.  

Walter paced the team with six ground balls while Morales, Smith and junior Carrie Naylor (Elkridge, Md./Mount de Sales) each contributed four.  Smith and Morales also led the team in caused turnovers, with Smith posting a team-high four draw controls.  Morales and McGee aided the effort with three each.  

The teams exchanged two early goals before Notre Dame went on a 5-0 run to take a 6-1 lead in the middle of the first half.  Hollins answered with their own 3-1 run, with Morales scoring her fifth goal of the first half securing the Gators a 7-4 lead. In the final minutes of the first half, Walter notched back-to-back goals while McGee also added her second of the day with 1:07 remaining in the opening frame.  After a Hollins goal with 35 seconds remaining in the half, Notre Dame entered the break leading 10-4.  

McGee opened the second half with her third goal of the game, but the visitors managed to answer immediately.  After Morales found the net again, Hollins posted three straight goals to narrow the Gators advantage to 12-9, but It would be the closest Hollins would come.  Morales tallied her final two goals of the game, pushing the lead up to 14-9, and Smith's goal made it 15-9.  

After two goals by Hollins, McGee found the net for her fourth of the day, while the guests scored with 53 seconds remaining to make the final 16-12 score.  

The Gators will return to action on Tuesday as they travel to Cabrini College for their Colonial States Athletic Conference opener.