[Stardust]

In a season marred by injuries, the Notre Dame Pandas have had a saving grace.


Make that two, actually.

As they have done so many times this season, particularly in the past week, the Pandas used their physical defense and overall team experience to help them grind out a 50-48 home win over Simon Kenton on Monday night.

The Pandas (11-5), ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches' poll, capped a tough, four-game stretch with a victory that helps them stay on the heels of top-ranked Highlands in the chase for the poll title.

After suffering its first local loss last Tuesday against Highlands, Notre Dame has bounced back with victories over Simon Kenton and Boone County, ranked Nos. 3-4 in the latest poll.

"It's been a rough week, and this is a huge win for us," Pandas senior guard Emily Ludwig said. "It's a pride factor."

Senior forward Judy Albanese called the Pandas' play "ugly." And that's not a criticism. Notre Dame has grown accustomed to winning low-scoring games with defense.

http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...901130400/

Simon Kenton (10-4) - Wainscott 3 0 6. Tolliver 7 0 17. Ponzer 2 0 5. C. Figgins 2 0 4. Smith 3 1 8. L. Figgins 2 2 8. Totals: 19 3 48.

Notre Dame (11-5) - Ludwig 3 0 6. Jackson 5 3 14. Albanese 4 2 10. Delph 5 2 13. Clark 1 0 2. Drees 0 1 1. Ammerman 2 0 4. Totals: 20 8 50.

Siimon Kenton 18 9 11 10 -48
Notre Dame 15 12 9 `14 -50