St. Mary’s City, MD – The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s basketball team improved to 5-3 on the season with a gritty 54-46 win over Notre Dame (MD) (2-7) in a United East Conference game Wednesday night. A strong defensive performance and balanced scoring effort secured the Seahawks’ third home victory this season.
Seahawks Take Control Early
The Seahawks started strong, overcoming a tight opening quarter to seize control. Tied at 10 points late in the first, St. Mary’s surged ahead when Keira Mason hit a free throw followed by a three-pointer from Marley Saunders. The Seahawks carried a 14-11 lead into the second quarter, buoyed by momentum and defensive intensity.
The second quarter proved challenging offensively for both teams, with points at a premium. Midway through the quarter, Olivia Liszt ended a scoring drought for St. Mary’s with a layup, followed by Saunders sinking two three-pointers. The Seahawks entered halftime up 27-18, capitalizing on disciplined defense and timely shooting.
Defensive Standoff in the Third Quarter
The third quarter saw both squads struggle to generate offense, as defense dominated the game. St. Mary’s outscored Notre Dame 8-6 during the period, thanks to key contributions from Liszt, Rayna Miller, and Halimah Hajhassan. The Seahawks maintained their composure and extended their lead to 35-24 heading into the final quarter.
Seahawks Seal the Deal
St. Mary’s stretched its lead to 14 points midway through the fourth quarter with a combination of clutch free throws and critical layups. The Gators made a late push, trimming the lead to six with 90 seconds left, but the Seahawks stayed calm under pressure. A staunch defensive effort held off Notre Dame, securing the 54-46 victory.
Game Highlights
- Rayna Miller led the Seahawks with 14 points, anchoring the offense and converting key opportunities.
- Marley Saunders added offensive firepower, hitting three three-pointers to help widen the gap in the first half.
- Keira Mason dominated the boards with 14 rebounds, providing second-chance opportunities that proved pivotal.
What’s Next for St. Mary’s
The Seahawks return to action on Dec. 7, hosting Cedar Crest at 1:00 PM in St. Mary’s City, MD. Fans will look forward to seeing if the team can build on its defensive success and continue its strong home form.
