BALTIMORE, MD- The Highlanders embarked on the busiest stretch of the season with a CSAC matchup against the Notre Dame (MD) University Gators.  Cairn played hard, but dropped the matchup 51-57 despite their fourth quarter comeback.
 
Cairn started off strong as Payton Emerick knocked down two jumpers, and Aigner Bookard slashed to the rim for a layup to give the Highlanders a 6-0 lead. Notre Dame battled back, but Charlotte Allen and Victoria Stum each hit from the charity stripe to keep the Highlanders ahead. Both team's offenses stalled out in the second quarter, and the Highlanders took a 22-19 lead into the break.
 
Unfortunately, the Highlanders offensive struggles carried over to the third quarter.  Notre Dame (MD) mounted a 22-8 run to take a commanding 11 point lead into the fourth quarter. Undeterred by the deficit, the Highlanders came roaring back, cutting into the Gator lead and bringing the game within one point with 3:50 remaining.  However, Cairn was unable to get over the hump, as Notre Dame (MD) rallied in front of their home fans and eked out a 57-51 victory.
 
Payton Emerick led the Highlanders with 14 points, while Kendra Stum and Aigner Bookard each tallied 11, and Victoria Stum only notched 4 points, but finished with 11 rebounds.
 
The Highlanders will host Wesley College at 5:00 PM Tuesday afternoon in a non-conference matchup.