In a highly anticipated clash between two powerhouse women’s basketball programs, the No. 2 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish delivered a thrilling 73-64 upset over the No. 7 California Golden Bears. The victory was made even more special as it was fueled by an electrifying performance from Notre Dame’s star guard, Hannah Hidalgo, who led all scorers in the game. Hidalgo’s outstanding contributions, along with a collective effort from the team, kept the Irish on track for a successful postseason push and sent a clear message to the rest of the college basketball world: they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Setting: A Showdown Between Elite Programs
Both Notre Dame and Cal entered the game with high expectations, each boasting deep rosters and rich histories in women’s basketball. Cal, known for its disciplined defense and strong offensive schemes, had been cruising through the regular season with impressive wins and a solid record. The Golden Bears, ranked No. 7, were favored by many to advance far into the tournament, but this showdown with the Fighting Irish was a reminder of how unpredictable and fierce March Madness can be.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s ranking at No. 2 had made them one of the title favorites from the outset of the season. Their blend of experience and youth, led by head coach Niele Ivey, had made them an incredibly difficult team to prepare for. Still, they were facing a major challenge in Cal, a team that had proved its mettle throughout the season and was ready to prove its legitimacy in this top-tier matchup.
The Star of the Game: Hannah Hidalgo
While the entire Notre Dame team played an integral role in the victory, it was Hannah Hidalgo’s performance that captured the spotlight. The sophomore guard has already gained national attention for her poise and explosive offensive skills, and this game was another opportunity for her to showcase why she is one of the brightest young stars in women’s college basketball.
Hidalgo’s 27-point performance was the centerpiece of the Irish’s offense. Her scoring was efficient and impactful, as she displayed her ability to score in various ways—whether it was a driving layup, a mid-range jumper, or a deep three-pointer. Her relentless energy and ability to take control of the game in critical moments were key factors in Notre Dame’s ability to outpace a resilient Cal squad.
While her scoring was undoubtedly impressive, it was her leadership on the floor that truly stood out. Throughout the game, Hidalgo was constantly engaged, whether by orchestrating the offense or making key defensive plays that disrupted Cal’s rhythm. Her composure in big moments proved invaluable, especially as Cal mounted a second-half rally to make things interesting. As the game grew tighter, Hidalgo’s clutch shots and leadership on both ends of the floor helped Notre Dame weather the storm and secure the win.
Hidalgo’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by her teammates, who were quick to praise her for her poise and leadership. Senior forward, Kylee Watson, who contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds, spoke about how Hidalgo’s energy and drive propelled the team throughout the contest. “Hannah is a special player,” Watson said. “She’s one of those players who can take over a game, and we all feed off of her intensity. She’s our heart and soul.”
A Game of Runs: Momentum Shifts Throughout
From the opening tip, both teams showed that they were more than prepared for the high-stakes nature of the matchup. Early on, Cal appeared to have the upper hand, utilizing its aggressive defense to stifle Notre Dame’s offense. The Golden Bears’ ability to rotate quickly and contest shots kept the Irish off balance. However, despite some early struggles, Notre Dame’s offense slowly began to find its rhythm, especially as Hidalgo heated up.
Notre Dame’s defensive efforts also played a critical role in stifling Cal’s high-powered offense. The Irish were able to force key turnovers, limiting the Golden Bears’ fast-break opportunities. This defensive pressure was spearheaded by the duo of Hidalgo and junior guard Olivia Miles, who combined for multiple steals and disrupts in the passing lanes. Miles, in particular, was instrumental in limiting Cal’s leading scorer, junior guard Leilani McIntosh, to just 14 points on a highly inefficient shooting night.
Despite Notre Dame’s early struggles, they took control of the game midway through the first half, with Hidalgo knocking down several consecutive three-pointers to push the Irish into the lead. By the halftime buzzer, Notre Dame had established a 36-28 lead, but Cal was far from out of it. The Golden Bears, known for their ability to adjust and execute in the second half, came out strong after the break, bringing the game within a few points on multiple occasions.
However, every time Cal seemed to gain momentum, Notre Dame responded. The Irish’s ability to knock down timely shots, especially from beyond the arc, kept the Golden Bears at bay. With less than three minutes remaining in the game and Cal threatening to make a run, Hidalgo hit two critical free throws and a tough contested layup that all but sealed the victory for the Irish.
Key Moments and Plays
While Hidalgo’s individual performance was the primary story of the game, several key moments and plays throughout the contest played a significant role in Notre Dame’s victory.
One such moment came late in the third quarter when Cal’s forward, Hannah Jump, hit a three-pointer to cut Notre Dame’s lead to just four points. With the momentum shifting in Cal’s favor, Hidalgo answered back with a deep three of her own, silencing the Golden Bears’ crowd and restoring order to the game.
Another pivotal moment came in the final minutes when Notre Dame’s defense stepped up in a big way. With Cal desperately trying to claw its way back into the game, the Irish forced several missed shots and a crucial turnover, effectively ending any chance of a Golden Bears comeback.
Cal’s Resilience: A Strong Fight Until the End
Despite the loss, Cal’s performance in this game was far from disappointing. The Golden Bears fought hard throughout the contest, led by McIntosh and Jump, both of whom gave Notre Dame fits with their shooting and playmaking ability. Cal’s defense, especially in the first half, showed the depth and tenacity that has made them such a dangerous team this season.
Head coach Charmin Smith expressed pride in her team’s effort after the game. “We played a great team today, and while the result didn’t go our way, I couldn’t be more proud of the way our players fought until the very end,” Smith said. “We’ve got a lot to take away from this game, and we’re going to use it to fuel us as we continue to push forward.”
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
With the win, Notre Dame continues to build on its strong season and solidify its spot as one of the top teams in the nation. The Irish will look to carry this momentum into their next few games as they set their sights on an NCAA Tournament run. Their victory over Cal also reaffirms their status as title contenders, with Hannah Hidalgo’s star shining brighter than ever.
Head coach Niele Ivey praised her team’s resilience, particularly in a hard-fought battle against a talented opponent. “This was a complete team effort,” Ivey said. “Everyone contributed in some way, whether it was on defense, offense, or just keeping the energy up. I’m incredibly proud of this team, and we’re going to keep pushing to get better every day.”
As the postseason draws nearer, the Irish will need to stay focused and maintain the high level of play that they demonstrated in this victory. With Hidalgo leading the way and a supporting cast that continues to rise to the occasion, Notre Dame has all the ingredients to make a deep tournament run.