November 12, 1996

Morgan, Gaither Lead Irish to 74-54 Win Over Dutch National Team

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — All-American candidates Beth Morgan and Katryna Gaither combined for 35 points to lead 20th-ranked Notre Dame to a 74-54 win over the Dutch National team in its final exhibition test before the start of the 1996-97 campaign. The Irish will open up the season this Friday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m. when they play host to Kent in the opening round of the Preseason Women’s National Women’s Invitational Tournament.

Morgan led all scorer with 19 points, while Gaither had 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Sheila McMillen was also in double figures for the Irish as she scored 12 points.

Notre Dame shot 52.3 percent for the game and were 24 of 28 from the free throw line. Morgan hit all eight of her field goal attempts. The Irish defense limited the Dutch National team to just 34.0 percent shooting from the field as the visitors made just 18 of 53 field goal attempts.

The Irish trailed early on in the contest by outscored the Dutch team 27-12 in the final 11 minutes of the first half to lead 44-25 at the intermission. Notre Dame built its lead in the second half as the visitors managed just 12 points in the first 13 minutes of the second half.

Sonia Raaymakers led the Dutch team with 12 points.