Fast Start Propels Notre Dame to Fourth Straight Sweet 16: A Triumph of Determination and Teamwork
The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team has made history once again, securing their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s remarkable journey through the 2025 season culminated in another impressive tournament run, where a fast start in their opening games not only set the tone but also helped them advance to the coveted Sweet 16 stage. For Notre Dame, this achievement represents more than just a series of victories; it is the result of a carefully cultivated culture of excellence, deep team chemistry, and a clear vision for success.
The Road to the 2025 NCAA Tournament: Dominating the Regular Season
The Fighting Irish entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with an air of confidence and high expectations. Led by head coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame had an outstanding regular season that saw them finish with a 28-4 record, highlighted by signature wins against top-ranked opponents in the ACC and a notable victory over perennial powerhouse Connecticut. Their performance earned them a number two seed in the tournament, a testament to their dominance throughout the season and their ability to perform under pressure.
Key to Notre Dame’s success was their defensive prowess and dynamic offense, which was led by standout players like senior guard Maddy Westbeld and sophomore forward Sonia Citron. Westbeld, a versatile player capable of scoring in multiple ways and playing tough defense, was instrumental in keeping the team’s momentum going throughout the season. Citron, known for her ability to hit clutch shots and make plays when it mattered most, was quickly emerging as one of the country’s top young stars. Together, they formed one of the most formidable duos in women’s college basketball.
Moreover, the team’s depth was a significant factor in their success. Players like freshman point guard Olivia Miles and junior forward Maya Dodson brought energy and intensity to every game. Miles, a true playmaker, led the team in assists, while Dodson was a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. This balance of offensive weapons and defensive stalwarts made Notre Dame one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
Tournament Begins: The Fast Start
When the NCAA Tournament began, the Fighting Irish were fired up and ready to prove they were more than just a talented regular-season team. Their first-round matchup was against an overmatched opponent, but Notre Dame’s fast start made it clear from the beginning that they were here to stay. The Irish opened the game with a 12-0 run, setting the tone with stifling defense and precise shooting. The intensity and focus with which they played showed just how much they wanted to reach their fourth consecutive Sweet 16, and the opponent never quite recovered.
A major catalyst for the Irish’s success in this game was their fast-break opportunities, which were created by relentless defense and sharp ball movement. Sonia Citron, known for her ability to run the floor, was instrumental in getting easy baskets early in the game. Her ability to score in transition and disrupt the opposing offense helped Notre Dame get off to a quick lead. Meanwhile, Maddy Westbeld was steady throughout the game, contributing both as a scorer and as a defender, never allowing her team to lose focus.
The Irish’s defense was suffocating, holding their opponent to just 30 percent shooting from the field. This defensive effort was a hallmark of Notre Dame’s game plan all season long: aggressive, fast-paced, and relentless. They not only took control of the game early but maintained that control throughout, never allowing their opponent a chance to mount a serious comeback.
When the buzzer sounded at the end of the first round, Notre Dame had secured a commanding 82-58 victory, propelling them into the second round of the tournament. The fast start was crucial, as it allowed the team to relax and get into a rhythm, making it easier for them to execute their game plan. But as Notre Dame’s players would soon find out, the next round would present an even greater challenge.
Second Round: Overcoming Adversity with Poise and Confidence
In the second round, Notre Dame faced a more formidable opponent, one that had been playing some of its best basketball of the season. The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half. However, the Irish’s ability to adjust in the second half, along with their superior conditioning and teamwork, allowed them to break open the game in the final quarter.
Once again, it was the combination of a strong start and clutch play in critical moments that made the difference for Notre Dame. After a back-and-forth first half, the Irish came out of halftime determined to assert themselves. Coach Ivey made key adjustments, including shifting defensive matchups and encouraging her players to take more risks offensively. The players responded with great energy and urgency, pushing the pace and finding success in fast-break opportunities once again.
Maddy Westbeld, who had struggled with her shooting in the first half, came alive in the second. She found her rhythm, scoring back-to-back three-pointers that ignited the team’s offense. Citron also played a crucial role, scoring 14 of her 22 points in the second half, demonstrating her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Olivia Miles showcased her playmaking ability with timely assists, making her teammates look good and keeping the defense on its heels.
The Irish’s defensive intensity was relentless in the second half, and their ability to limit the opponent’s scoring opportunities proved crucial. Notre Dame’s strong finish to the game, including a 17-4 run in the final six minutes, sealed a 75-65 victory and sent them to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year. The fast start, combined with the team’s ability to close out games with poise and confidence, continued to serve them well.
Sweet 16: A Step Closer to the Ultimate Goal
With the Sweet 16 now in their sights, Notre Dame was well aware of the challenges that awaited them. The competition was about to get tougher, and each game was going to require the team to bring its best effort. However, the Irish remained undeterred by the heightened stakes.
In the Sweet 16 matchup, Notre Dame once again relied on a fast start to set the tone. This time, they faced a high-powered offense that had been putting up huge numbers throughout the tournament. But Notre Dame’s defense, particularly their ability to close out shooters and force turnovers, stifled their opponent’s rhythm early in the game. The Irish jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first quarter, thanks to a combination of solid defense, fast-break opportunities, and a sharpshooting performance from beyond the arc.
The team’s ability to get out in transition was once again the key factor, as they turned defensive stops into easy points on the other end. Citron and Westbeld each hit multiple three-pointers to stretch the defense, while Maya Dodson provided a dominant presence in the post, controlling the boards and finishing inside. Olivia Miles showed why she was one of the top point guards in the country, orchestrating the offense and keeping the ball moving to create open looks for her teammates.
Despite a late rally from their opponent, Notre Dame’s early lead proved too insurmountable, and the Irish held on for a 84-72 victory, sending them to the Elite Eight. It was another testament to their ability to start fast, maintain focus, and finish strong. For the fourth straight year, the Fighting Irish were heading to the Sweet 16, and their run was far from over.
The Importance of a Fast Start: Lessons Learned
Notre Dame’s fast start in the 2025 NCAA Tournament was more than just a coincidence—it was the result of deliberate planning and execution. The Fighting Irish made it a point to come out strong in each game, using their defensive intensity and offensive execution to set the tone early. This approach not only helped them win games but also allowed them to build momentum and confidence as the tournament progressed.
In a high-stakes tournament like the NCAA Tournament, every team is talented, and the margin for error is razor-thin. A fast start allows a team to seize control, dictate the pace of the game, and put pressure on the opponent. Notre Dame’s ability to execute this strategy was a key reason for their success, and it highlighted the importance of preparation, focus, and resilience.
As Notre Dame looks ahead to the next phase of the tournament, they can take pride in their ability to come out strong and dominate early. But they also know that the road to the national championship is long and difficult. The Sweet 16 is just the beginning, and the Fighting Irish will need to continue to build on their early successes if they hope to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the NCAA title.
For now, though, the Fighting Irish can celebrate their remarkable achievement of reaching their fourth consecutive Sweet 16. They have once again proven that Notre Dame basketball is among the best in the nation, and with their fast start leading the way, they are well-positioned for even greater success in the years to come.