The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team secured their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance with a commanding 76-55 victory over the Michigan Wolverines on March 23, 2025.
From the outset, Notre Dame asserted dominance, initiating the game with an 11-2 run and concluding the first quarter with a substantial 32-12 lead. Their aggressive start set the tone, showcasing the team’s determination to advance further in the tournament.
Freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 21 points. Her relentless energy on both ends of the court was instrumental in maintaining Notre Dame’s momentum. Complementing Hidalgo’s efforts, forward Liatu King achieved a double-double, contributing 18 points and an impressive 15 rebounds. King’s perfect shooting from the field (7-of-7) and accuracy at the free-throw line (4-of-4) underscored her pivotal role in the victory.
Sonia Citron also made significant contributions, adding 16 points to the Irish’s tally. Despite recent concerns over an ankle injury sustained in the first-round game against Stephen F. Austin, star guard Olivia Miles started the game, recording eight points, five assists, and four rebounds. Miles’ decision to play, made just 15 minutes before tip-off, highlighted her commitment to the team’s success.
Defensively, Notre Dame was formidable, limiting Michigan to a season-low 55 points. The Wolverines, who averaged over 78 points per game during the season, struggled against the Irish’s stifling defense. Michigan’s offense was primarily driven by freshmen Olivia Olson and Syla Swords, who scored 20 and 17 points, respectively.
Notre Dame’s head coach, Niele Ivey, praised her team’s defensive intensity and will to win, emphasizing the importance of their dominant mindset in advancing to the next round.
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish are set to face TCU in the Sweet 16 in Birmingham, Alabama. This matchup holds particular significance, as TCU handed Notre Dame a loss earlier in the season during the Cayman Islands Classic in November.
As March Madness progresses, Notre Dame’s blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent positions them as a formidable contender. Their upcoming rematch against TCU offers an opportunity to avenge their earlier defeat and continue their pursuit of a national championship.
