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SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Ohio women's basketball team started their 2021-22 season on the road Tuesday night (Nov. 9), as they travelled to take on Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish defeated the Bobcats, 105-69. Ohio was led by Cece Hooks with 21 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Erica Johnson joined Hooks with double-digit scoring, as Johnson finished with 14 points. Abby Garnett led the team with eight rebounds, five defensive and three offensive. 
 
"I thought their length gave us some trouble around the basket," head coach Bob Boldon said after the game. "I thought they did a nice job of recovering. We had some looks that didn't quite go our way. But I thought we had some nice moves and would be baskets get erased by their athleticism and their length. We kind of get that when you play these sorts of teams. And it's a great learning experience for us."

Ohio got off to a hot start in the first quarter, taking a 15-14 lead into the quarter's media timeout, shooting 55% from the field (6 for 11) and 60% from beyond the arc (3 for 5). The two teams continued the close play to finish out the first quarter, with the Fighting Irish taking a 24-22 lead after the first 10 minutes of play. 
 
The second quarter saw the Fighting Irish offense get hot, shooting 60% from the field in the quarter, at one point extending their lead to nine at 44-35 with 1:37 remaining in the half. The Bobcats responded well though, finishing out the half by making five of their final shots and cutting the deficit to just 47-42 heading into the break. 
 
Notre Dame took control in the third quarter, shooting 74% from the field (14 for 19), including 22 points in the paint. Going into the 4th and final 10 minutes of play, the Fighting Irish had extended their lead to 81-55. Sophomore Madi Mace led the Bobcats offensively in the quarter, with seven of the Bobcats' 13 points. 
 
Ella Pope made her Bobcat debut in the 4th quarter, scoring six points on two three pointers. The Fighting Irish offense continued their strong performance however, finishing the game out with a 53% shooting performance from the field. In the end, it was a 105-69 victory for Notre Dame. 
 
The Bobcats finished the contest shooting 36.4% from the field (24 for 66). As a team, they reeled in 35 total rebounds, and had nine assists. 
 
Up Next: 
 
Ohio will stay on the road for their next game, as the Bobcats travel to Lynchburg, Va. to play the Liberty Flames. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m., and will be broadcast on ESPN+.