Notre Dame's women's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against North Carolina State in the championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. The star freshman, Hannah Hildalgo, played a pivotal role in the game, scoring 22 points and making crucial baskets down the stretch to lead the Fighting Irish to a 55-51 win over the Wolfpack.
This victory marked Notre Dame's first ACC Tournament title in five years, with Hildalgo being named the tournament's most valuable player. Alongside Hildalgo, Maddy Westbeld contributed 16 points and seven rebounds to secure the victory for the fourth-seeded Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame had previously won the ACC Tournament in four consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2017 and then claimed their fifth title in 2019. The team's success continued under the leadership of Niele Ivey, who took over as head coach amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and guided the team to their latest championship.
The game was a closely contested affair, with neither team holding a significant lead throughout. Hildalgo's clutch plays in the final moments, including a go-ahead layup and a free throw, sealed the victory for Notre Dame.
Despite playing in front of a home-state crowd for N.C. State, the Wolfpack fell short in their bid for a fourth consecutive tournament title. River Baldwin led the Wolfpack with 14 points, while Aziaha James added 12 points in a losing effort.
Both teams will now await their NCAA Tournament seeding, with Notre Dame and N.C. State likely to begin their postseason journeys as opening-round hosts. The victory for Notre Dame adds another chapter to their storied women's basketball program, while N.C. State will look to regroup and make a strong showing in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
