UConn Women's Basketball Reaches 25th Final Four

Defending champions defeat Notre Dame 70-52 to secure another national semifinal berth.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a women's basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and gold colors.UConn's 25th Final Four appearance under legendary coach Geno Auriemma showcases the program's enduring dominance in women's college basketball.Phoenix Today

The UConn Huskies women's basketball team defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 70-52 in the Fort Worth Regional 1 final on Sunday, securing their 25th trip to the Final Four under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. UConn, still unbeaten at 38-0 and riding a 54-game winning streak, locked up the first Final Four spot in Phoenix and now sits two wins away from a 13th national title.

Why it matters

UConn's continued dominance in women's college basketball maintains their status as one of the sport's premier programs. Reaching the Final Four for the 25th time under Auriemma's leadership further cements the Huskies' dynasty and their ability to consistently compete for national championships.

The details

Sarah Strong led UConn with 21 points, including a dominant second half, while Blanca Quiñonez added 20 in a breakout performance. Azzi Fudd contributed 13 points and four assists, shaking off a slow start to help seal the win. Despite the final margin, the game was far more competitive than UConn's 38-point rout of Notre Dame earlier this season. The Irish, making their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019, stayed within striking distance for much of the contest behind Hannah Hidalgo, who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • The Final Four tips off on Friday, with the national championship game set for April 5.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The legendary head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who has led the program to 25 Final Four appearances.

Sarah Strong

The UConn Huskies player who led the team with 21 points in the victory over Notre Dame.

Blanca Quiñonez

The UConn Huskies player who added 20 points in a breakout performance against Notre Dame.

Azzi Fudd

The UConn Huskies player who contributed 13 points and four assists, shaking off a slow start to help seal the win.

Hannah Hidalgo

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish player who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We've been here before, but it never gets old. These players have worked hard all season to get to this point, and I'm proud of their effort.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“It was a tough game, but we never gave up. I'm proud of how we competed and kept it close against a great team like UConn.”

— Hannah Hidalgo, Player, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

What’s next

UConn will face the winner of the matchup between South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball and TCU Horned Frogs women's basketball in the national semifinal on Friday.

The takeaway

UConn's continued dominance in women's college basketball solidifies their status as one of the sport's premier programs, as they reach the Final Four for the 25th time under Geno Auriemma's leadership. The Huskies' ability to consistently compete for national championships is a testament to their coaching, talent, and winning culture.