Women's Elite Eight Teams Advance and Fall Short

Highlights and disappointments from the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament's Elite Eight round saw several top teams advance to the Final Four, including the Louisville Cardinals and Ohio State Buckeyes, while others like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Duke Blue Devils fell short of their championship aspirations.

Why it matters

The Elite Eight is a critical juncture in the women's college basketball postseason, separating the true contenders from the pretenders. The outcomes of these high-stakes matchups can make or break a team's season and define the legacy of its star players and coaches.

The details

The Louisville Cardinals eked out a thrilling 69-68 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide to punch their ticket to the Final Four. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes cruised past their opponent to continue their dominant tournament run. However, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Duke Blue Devils both fell short of the Final Four, ending their championship aspirations for the year.

  • The Elite Eight games were played on March 23, 2026.
  • The Final Four is scheduled for April 4-6, 2026.

The players

Laura Ziegler

A player for the Louisville Cardinals who celebrated her team's narrow victory over Alabama by kissing the court.

Brutus Buckeye

The mascot of the Ohio State Buckeyes, whose team advanced to the Final Four.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The women's basketball team from the University of Notre Dame that fell short of the Final Four in this year's tournament.

Duke Blue Devils

The women's basketball team from Duke University that also failed to reach the Final Four, ending their championship hopes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're just so proud to get over the hump and make it to the Final Four. The team fought hard for this moment.”

— Brutus Buckeye, Ohio State Mascot

What’s next

The Final Four games will be played on April 4-6, 2026, with the national championship game scheduled for April 6.

The takeaway

This year's Elite Eight round showcased the parity and competitiveness of women's college basketball, with several top programs falling short of their championship aspirations while new contenders emerged to challenge for the title.