Nov. 22, 2004
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SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Megan Duffy scored 15 points and Jacqueline Batteast added 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead Notre Dame to a 69-47 victory over Colorado State on Monday night.
After beating top 10 opponents Duke and Ohio State last week to win the Preseason WNIT, the Irish (5-0) had little trouble with the Rams (1-1). Notre Dame took control with a 20-4 run that started with five minutes remaining in the first half and extended into the second half, moving ahead 41-25 when Batteast hit a free throw with 15:33 left.
The Irish, playing their fifth game in 11 days, were a little ragged at times, turning the ball over 16 times. But they dominated inside, outscoring the Rams 38-20 in the paint. They had 20 steals, outscoring Colorado State 38-13 off of turnovers.
Crystal Erwin added 12 points for the Irish on 6-of-9 shooting. Lindsay Thomas led the Rams with 12 points and 10 rebounds. No one else scored in double figures for the Rams, who shot 37 percent.
The Rams led 15-11 when Marilyn Moulton made a pair of free throws midway through the first half. But the Irish responded with a 9-0 run for a 20-15 lead on a layup by Batteast with seven minutes left.
Colorado State tied it at 21 before a 10-0 run by the Irish. Notre Dame dominated in the second half, moving ahead 61-36 when Erwin scored inside with 6:49 left.
By TOM COYNE
AP Sports Writer