NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell to North Central College on Friday night in the 2024-25 season opener, 88-49. The Belles hosted their annual Morgan's Message game to help raise awareness for student-athletes mental health.

North Central got out to an early lead in the first quarter, taking advantage of shooting over 50% from the field. They would hold onto their lead going into the halftime break as they led Saint Mary's 43-21 at the break as they shot an incredible 54% from beyond the arc. Senior Julia Schutz (Dyer, IN) led the Belles at the break with seven points while freshman Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake MI) and junior Nicole Connolly (Mokena, IL) had six and five respectively.

The Belles got out to a hot start in the second half as they would start their comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 22-17 and shooting 64% from the field and 50% from three point range. However, the Cardinals would extend their lead and keep the Belles out of reach to finish them off in the fourth quarter.

Notaro led the Belles with 14 points while Connolly would follow with 12. Notaro, Schutz, and sophomore Kate Restovich (Wildwood, MO) would each record seven rebounds to lead the team while Connolly would lead the pack with three assists. Saint Mary's finished the game shooting 20-61 (32.8%) from the field, 3-19 (15.8%) from three, and 6-7 (85.7%) from the free throw line.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES 

Saint Mary's returns home tomorrow night to host Lake Forest College with tipoff set for 5pm. The Belles then head on the road next week as they compete in the Hyatt Place Tournament in Rock Island, IL.