UConn Women's Basketball Secures 25th Final Four Appearance

Huskies defeat Notre Dame 70-52 in Elite Eight battle of rivals

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:05am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange colors creating a dynamic, abstract composition.UConn's relentless pursuit of another national championship is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the intensity of their Elite Eight victory.Notre Dame Today

The UConn Huskies women's basketball team secured their 25th Final Four appearance with a 70-52 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Elite Eight. Led by standout performances from Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, the Huskies overcame a slow start to pull away in the second half and continue their dominant season.

Why it matters

UConn's continued excellence and 25th Final Four berth cements their status as the premier program in women's college basketball. However, their dominance also raises questions about the competitive balance in the sport and how other teams can challenge the Huskies' reign.

The details

In a defensive battle, the Huskies struggled early, with Strong and Fudd combining for just 10 points in the first half. But freshman Blanca Quiñonez stepped up, scoring 12 points in the first quarter to keep UConn in the game. The Huskies' defense was key, holding Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo scoreless in the first quarter. In the second half, UConn found their rhythm, with Strong scoring 15 of her 21 points to lead the charge. Quiñonez added a second 20-point game of her young career, showcasing the Huskies' depth and talent across the roster.

  • The Elite Eight matchup between UConn and Notre Dame took place on April 11, 2026.

The players

Sarah Strong

A standout player for the UConn Huskies, scoring 21 points in the Elite Eight victory over Notre Dame. Strong's performance tied a program record for most 20-point games in a player's first two seasons.

Azzi Fudd

A key contributor for the UConn Huskies, adding 9 points in the second half to help secure the victory over Notre Dame.

Blanca Quiñonez

A freshman player for the UConn Huskies, who stepped up with 12 points in the first quarter to keep the team afloat during their slow start.

Hannah Hidalgo

The star player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who was held scoreless in the first quarter of the Elite Eight matchup against UConn.

UConn Huskies

The dominant women's basketball program that secured their 25th Final Four appearance with the victory over Notre Dame.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our experience and depth really showed in the second half. I'm so proud of this team and how they stepped up when it mattered most.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

The UConn Huskies will advance to the Women's Final Four, where they will face the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup. They will be seeking their 15th national championship, further cementing their legacy as the premier program in women's college basketball.

The takeaway

UConn's dominant victory over Notre Dame highlights their continued excellence and the challenges facing the rest of women's college basketball in trying to close the gap with the Huskies. Their depth, talent, and experience make them a formidable opponent, but the broader implications of their dominance raise important questions about fostering more competitive balance in the sport.