ND BASKETBALL
Eric DeMarco, Coach
The N.D. girls' basketball team has built itself a reputation in recent years: producing a solid win-loss record during the regular season and qualifying for both the SWC and state tournaments. When a reputation like this exists, most expect the winning record to continue. For the 2008-09 Lancers, under the direction of Coach DeMarco for the second season, the loss of some key players put pressure on the team to produce quality shots and tight defense. The team turned to senior Rose Bajda (All SWC - First Team) all season for consistent production on the court. Notre Dame's schedule cut them no slack, as the Lancers faced a very difficult early season schedule. After dropping a tough opening game to Masuk, the Lancers faced two of the SWC's best teams, falling to both Pomperaug and Kolbe.
It actually took the Lancers until the seventh game of the season to post their first win, but as the season progressed, the outlook improved, and the Lancers made a remarkable improvement off their 1-8 start. In the end, the Lancers posted a final regular season record of 10-10, earned a #5 seed in the SWC tournament and #25 seed in the Class L state tournament. In the opening game of the SWC tourney, the Lancers faced Masuk, who they had narrowly lost to twice during the season. Unfortunately, Masuk topped the Lancers for the third time and in doing so, knocked N.D. out of the tournament. In state play, the Lancers drew a tough team in East Lyme, who solidly topped the Lancers to end their season. Besides Bajda, additional SWC honors went to senior Jessica Berard (Honorable Mention) and sophomore Nicole Negron (All Patriot Division).

Notre Dame Catholic High School
Fairfield, Connecticut