Triumph Against Pittsburgh

On a chilly February evening in Pittsburgh, snow flurries danced in the air as fans gathered outside the Petersen Events Center, eagerly awaiting the exit of the second-ranked Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Earlier that night, Notre Dame secured an impressive 88-57 victory over the University of Pittsburgh, marking their 17th consecutive win. The standout backcourt trio of Sonia Citron, Olivia Miles, and Hannah Hidalgo combined for an extraordinary performance, contributing 61 points, 18 rebounds, 12 assists, and 10 steals.

Star Players Step Out

The first player to emerge from the arena was senior guard Sonia Citron, who donned team sweats and a winter coat after her notable contribution of 22 points and 10 rebounds during the game. Described as a “Steady Betty” by former guard Skylar Diggins-Smith and a “silent assassin” by head coach Niele Ivey, Citron was met by enthusiastic fans seeking autographs.

Next came Olivia Miles, who, despite the cold, sported a T-shirt and sweatpants. She playfully shivered while signing items for fans and taking selfies. Miles displayed exceptional skills during the game, tying a program record with eight three-pointers while finishing with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her play-style, often compared to WNBA star Chelsea Gray, is marked by her creative passing, including a unique one-handed skip pass.

The final player to exit was sophomore Hannah Hidalgo, who wrapped herself in a puffy coat as she was met with cheers and requests for autographs. Hidalgo, known for her energy on the court, averaged 24.1 points per game, ranking her third nationally. Her aggressive defensive skills resulted in an average of 3.7 steals per game. Despite the crowd’s eagerness, a security guard instructed that she would sign only for children, much to the chagrin of some adult fans.

Crucial Setbacks

Fast forward nearly a month after the exhilarating victory against Pittsburgh, Notre Dame faced a harsh reality when they came up short in an 86-81 loss against Florida State on February 27. This marked a significant turning point for the Irish, who had previously strung together an impressive run, reaching the No. 1 ranking in the nation. Citron led the team with 21 points, but Miles and Hidalgo struggled, combining for a mere 7-of-25 shooting performance.

In the wake of this defeat, Coach Ivey addressed the media, offering an apology to fans while Citron’s frustration surfaced as she focused on the box score. “It’s a will we’ve got to have,” she emphasized, voicing the urgency for the team to regroup before entering the crucial March tournament season.

Road to Redemption

After a disheartening finish to the regular season, where the Irish dropped three out of their last five games leading to a demotion to a 3-seed in the NCAA tournament, Notre Dame flipped the script in remarkable fashion. They dominated their initial tournament matches, defeating Stephen F. Austin and Michigan by an average of 36.5 points, showcasing the renewed vigor of their backcourt trio.

Hidalgo, Miles, and Citron demonstrated a resurgence of their early season chemistry, but inconsistencies threatened to derail them once again. Their subsequent game losses highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in transitioning defense and offensive flow. “It’s going to be our last chance,” Citron remarked, reflecting the collective determination to advance past the Sweet 16.

Challenges Ahead

With the NCAA tournament unfolding, the pressure intensified for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame’s journey showcased the ebbs and flows of a competitive season marked by individual brilliance juxtaposed with collective struggles. As they advanced through the tournament rounds, they would need to navigate the obstacles encountered earlier in the season. “We played below our standard,” Ivey noted, underlining the importance of cohesion and mental fortitude heading into crucial matchups.

Ultimately, the Irish found themselves refocused, channeling their strengths and sustaining momentum into a promising championship run. “Job’s not done,” Miles asserted, embodying the resolute spirit of a team with aspirations yet fulfilled.