For the first time in six years, Hannah Hidalgo’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish have found themselves atop the AP Poll, marking a significant milestone in their season.
The Irish did not waste time proving why they deserved the No. 1 ranking, as they decisively defeated No. 11 Duke to extend their winning streak. With just a few games remaining in the regular season, Notre Dame moved closer to completing an unbeaten ACC run.
Led by Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Continues Winning Streak
Hannah Hidalgo once again delivered a standout performance, scoring 19 points as Notre Dame defeated No. 11 Duke 64-49 on Monday night. The victory marked the 18th consecutive win for the Fighting Irish (23-2, 14-0 ACC) and their 17th straight in conference play.
Earlier in the day, Notre Dame had officially claimed the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll, a position they had not held in over six years.
Supporting Hidalgo, Sonia Citron contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Maddy Westbeld added 11 points. The first half remained competitive, with the Irish holding a narrow two-point lead at halftime.
However, Notre Dame took full control in the third quarter with a dominant 17-1 scoring run, shutting down Duke’s offense. During this stretch, the Blue Devils went 0-of-6 from the field and committed four turnovers, allowing the Irish to build a comfortable lead.
Duke (20-6, 11-3 ACC) was led by Taina Mair, who scored 15 points but the Blue Devils struggled against Notre Dame’s defensive intensity, managing only eight points in the third quarter.
By the start of the fourth, the Irish had established a 50-35 advantage, leaving Duke with little room for a comeback.
The Team’s Defensive Execution Seals Victory
Notre Dame’s defense played a crucial role in securing the win, forcing 11 second-half turnovers and holding Duke to just 22 points after halftime. The Irish capitalized on the Blue Devils’ mistakes, maintaining control and limiting their opponent’s scoring opportunities.
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With just four regular-season games remaining, Notre Dame remains in pursuit of a perfect ACC record. The Irish will face Miami on Thursday, looking to extend their unbeaten conference run and further solidify their position as the nation’s top team.
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