Hannah Hidalgo‘s Historic Performance signals a New Era for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball
Following significant departures to the WNBA and the transfer portal, Hannah Hidalgo stood as the lone returning starter for the Notre Dame Fighting irish this season. Many questioned if the team could maintain its success without key players,but Hidalgo is quickly proving doubters wrong. On Wednesday night,the junior guard delivered a performance for the ages,signaling a potentially dominant season for both herself and the Irish.
A Record-Breaking Night in South Bend
Notre Dame secured an 85-58 victory over Akron, but the score onyl tells a fraction of the story.Hidalgo exploded for 44 points, shattering the program’s single-game scoring record previously held by Jewell Loyd and Ruth Riley at 41. But her offensive prowess wasn’t the only story.
She also achieved a feat rarely seen in college basketball: a staggering 16 steals. This broke the NCAA Division I single-game record, surpassing the previous mark of 14 held by several players, including Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Ticha Penicheiro.
A Complete Performance
Hidalgo’s impact extended beyond scoring and steals. She also contributed nine rebounds and four assists in just 28 minutes of play. Her shooting efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 16 of 25 attempts from the field. This all-around performance underscores her versatility and dominance.
Rising Star and Reigning Champion
Hidalgo isn’t new to accolades. she’s a two-time All-American, two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and the reigning ACC Player of the Year. However, this latest performance solidifies her position as one of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball.
She embraces the underdog role,stating in a recent interview,”I grew up the underdog. Surprising people is always good.” Hidalgo and her teammates clearly believe in their ability to succeed, fueled by a strong belief in their coaching staff.
What This Means for Notre Dame
Cassandre Prosper was the only othre Irish player to reach double figures against Akron, scoring 14 points. Though, Hidalgo’s performance suggests she’s ready to carry a significant load for Notre Dame.
Currently ranked 18th in the AP Top 25 Poll, the Fighting Irish face a major test this Saturday against No. 14 Michigan in Detroit.This nationally televised game on NBC will provide another prospect for Hidalgo to showcase her talent on a larger stage.
You can expect a competitive matchup, and all eyes will be on Hidalgo to see if she can replicate her historic performance. If she does, Notre Dame could quickly climb the rankings and become a serious contender this season.
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