Hannah Hidalgo delivered a historic defensive performance, recording a team-high 27 points alongside a staggering 10 steals as No. 13 Notre Dame dismantled Stonehill 123-40 on Friday night in South Bend. The Fighting Irish (2-0) controlled the game from the opening tip, leading 30-10 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 67-21 at halftime. Hidalgo’s relentless pressure was the centerpiece of a defensive masterclass that forced 35 turnovers, which Notre Dame converted into 50 fast-break points, effectively neutralizing the Skyhawks’ offensive rhythm before it could gain traction.
Fighting Irish dominate Stonehill with historic defensive pressure and 62% shooting efficiency
Offensively, the Irish showcased elite efficiency, shooting 62% from the field while securing a massive 55-30 rebounding advantage. Jaci Abii and Anaya Hardy both posted double-doubles, with Abii contributing 17 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, six steals, and four blocks, while Hardy added 17 points and 11 boards. Leah Macy provided a spark with 24 points on 12-of-14 shooting, complemented by eight rebounds and six assists. Bench players Jenica Lewis and Madison St. Rose added 15 and 13 points respectively, ensuring depth remained a significant factor in the rout.
The game was defined by Notre Dame’s ability to convert defensive stops into immediate scoring opportunities, highlighted by 27 assists on 40 made baskets. Stonehill (0-2) struggled to find consistency, with Julia Webster leading the Skyhawks with just six points. The Irish maintained their lead throughout all four quarters, scoring 28 points in both the third and fourth periods to close out the lopsided victory. This performance underscores the team’s defensive versatility and offensive balance, setting a high bar for their upcoming schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
