ND caps rare sweep of Jackson

JACKSON, Mo. -- Notre Dame made the most of a rare opportunity Thursday.

Confronted with the chance to defeat rival Jackson for the third time this season, the Lady Bulldogs were up to the challenge, winning 53-40.

With senior Deana McCormick leading with 20 points, Notre Dame improved to 14-2 and 3-0 against the Lady Indians, who dropped to 8-7.

McCormick, a starter since her freshman year, wasn't exactly in a nostalgic mood about her final encounter with Jackson.

"I didn't know it was my last time playing Jackson," said McCormick, who's had many battles with the Lady Indians over the years. "We knew we had to come out fired up. We knew they were after us."

Senior teammate Lisa Millham, a three-year starter who added 12 points, also wasn't providing any tears.

"I didn't really think about it," said Millham. "I just thought about beating them -- it's Jackson."

On Thursday, with McCormick all business from the start, the Lady Bulldogs never trailed. McCormick had a pair of steals and was 6 of 6 from the charity stripe.

"All these games are important to these seniors," said Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim. "They're going to do whatever they need to win."

McCormick scored eight of her points and pulled down at least five rebounds in the first quarter alone. Her putback of her own missed shot put Notre Dame ahead for good, 5-3, at the 4:27 mark. It started a 10-2 run which gave Notre Dame a 15-5 lead and had Jackson playing catch up the remainder of the game.

Jackson trailed 24-18 at halftime and later 24-20, but the Lady Indians never got closer.

Ashley Bartels led Jackson with 16 points. Jenna Leet added 13.