Women fall to 1-3 with losses to Irish, Bowling Green

The IU women's basketball team fell to 1-3 for the season during Thanksgiving break -- dropping two of three games.\nDuring the first contest, against No. 15 Notre Dame Wednesday at Assembly Hall, IU played solid defense and senior guard Jenny DeMuth led the team in scoring with 20 points, but the Hoosiers fell to the Irish 74-61. \nTrailing by nine late in the first half, the Hoosiers went on a 7-0 run to enter the locker room. With 13 minutes remaining in the game, IU claimed its first lead since the opening minutes of the game.\nThe Irish quickly responded, connecting three straight 3-pointers from senior guard Megan Duffy. Costly turnovers late in the game spoiled hopes of a Hoosier comeback.\nThe Hoosiers responded to the loss by beating Youngstown State University 74-38 in the opening round of the Hampton Inn Classic Friday at Assembly Hall.\nIU started the game with a 14-0 lead and never looked back. Youngstown State did not score until the 15:12 mark, allowing the Hoosiers to take a 30-17 advantage into the break. The second half continued in the same fashion, with IU outscoring the Penguins 44-21. \nThe win gave the Hoosiers their first of the season, after dropping hard--fought games against two top-15 opponents.\nThe Hoosiers' good fortune would not carry over to the championship game of the Hampton Inn Classic. IU lost to Bowling Green 68-50 Saturday.\nDeMuth and senior guard Cyndi Valentin led the Hoosiers with 18 and 21 points, respectively. \nDespite leading one time in the first half, IU only trailed the Falcons by two points going into the locker room. \nIn the second half, the Hoosiers continued to struggle to find their rhythm -- allowing Bowling Green to go on a 12-3 run.\nDeMuth and Valentin were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances.