BALTIMORE, MD — A dominant defensive effort and a balanced scoring attack lifted Notre Dame of Maryland to a 58–46 win over Eastern Mennonite on Saturday afternoon at MBK Athletic Complex in the Gators' home opener. The Gators improved to 1–3 on the season behind a composed second half in which they outscored the Royals 33–23.

Amani Watts powered the Gators with an efficient 16 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field while adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Notre Dame's frontcourt controlled the interior throughout the game, helping the Gators post 36 points in the paint and a commanding 42–25 advantage on the glass.

Marecia Barnett delivered a strong two-way performance, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and a game-high five steals, repeatedly disrupting EMU's rhythm and sparking transition chances. Yasmeen Yussuf and Allison Holman each added six points, with both contributing key defensive stands as Notre Dame slowly built separation.

After trailing 23–25 at halftime, the Gators took control in the third quarter. Watts scored six of her points in the period, while Holman and Yussuf helped fuel a 16-point frame that pushed Notre Dame ahead 41–33 entering the fourth.

Eastern Mennonite remained within striking distance thanks to 18 points from Jeriyah Osborne and 14 from Grace Burke, but the Royals struggled to find consistent offense. Notre Dame's pressure forced 16 turnovers, leading to multiple fast-break scores and preventing EMU from mounting a late comeback.

In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame's defense tightened even further, holding the Royals to just 13 points while using timely baskets from Barnett, Watts, and Holman to seal the win.

The Gators shot 44.4% from the field—significantly outperforming EMU's 32.7% mark—and outscored the Royals 36–14 in the paint in one of their most complete defensive performances of the season.

Notre Dame now looks to continue building momentum as they next travel to McDaniel College on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 PM.