The undefeated UConn Huskies punched their ticket to the Women’s Final Four with a commanding 70-52 win over No. 6 Notre Dame. The victory, sealed on March 29 at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, marks UConn’s 25th trip to the Final Four and their 17th appearance in the last 18 years.

UConn’s Dominance Continues

UConn’s unbeaten streak now stands at 37-0 after dismantling Notre Dame in the Elite Eight round. The Huskies, top-ranked all season, had to grind through a tough battle against a familiar rival. The Fighting Irish, seeded sixth, pushed hard but fell short in the face of UConn’s relentless pace and depth.

UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, highlighted the challenge after the game: “You always have to beat a really good team at this stage.” He praised his players for adjusting at halftime, noting they flipped the switch to dominate the second half. That adaptability showed as UConn extended their lead to nearly 20 points, putting the game out of reach.

Key Players Step Up

Blanca Quiñonez, the Big East Freshman of the Year, stood out on both ends of the floor. She took on multiple defensive assignments and added quick scoring from beyond the arc. Her ability to organize the offense and maintain pressure was crucial to UConn’s early lead.

Alongside Quiñonez, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd also made big contributions. Strong finished with 21 points and earned the title of Most Outstanding Player for the Fort Worth regional.

Quiñonez chipped in 20 points, and their combined effort helped UConn shoot 44% from the field, a mark that kept Notre Dame on their heels.

Notre Dame’s Fight Falls Short

Notre Dame’s guard Hannah Hidalgo was the lone bright spot for the Irish, putting up 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Despite being held scoreless in the first quarter, Hidalgo fought back fiercely, trying to ignite her team.

But the rest of the Irish offense struggled to keep pace with UConn’s balanced attack.

Notre Dame ended their NCAA run shooting 39%, unable to find enough offensive rhythm. Coach Niele Ivey expressed pride in her team’s journey: “What we’ve accomplished this season and the growth from the beginning to now—this is what you want for a coach.” She called this squad one of the most special groups she’s worked with and celebrated their return to the Elite Eight.

Looking Ahead to Phoenix

With the win, UConn secures another Final Four appearance, their 25th in school history and their 17th in the last 18 years—an astonishing record of sustained excellence. The Huskies will head to Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center, where they’ll face off in the semifinals on Friday.

UConn’s depth and skill against Notre Dame show they’re prepared for the challenges ahead. They adjusted well during the game and kept up the pressure, making them a tough team to beat in the Final Four.

Notre Dame’s season ended with mixed feelings—proud of their progress but disappointed to lose again to their longtime rival. Still, their journey to the Elite Eight and the performances of players like Hidalgo promise more competitive seasons ahead.

UConn kept their streak alive with a 70-52 win over Notre Dame, earning another shot at the Final Four. With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the Huskies are ready to chase the championship in Phoenix.