Notre Dame junior Hannah Hidalgo insists her Irish team won't be intimidated by the UConn Huskies in their Elite Eight rematch, a game carrying significant implications. The Huskies handed Notre Dame a 38-point blowout in Storrs during the regular season, a loss Hidalgo struggled with as a freshman. However, the Irish have since transformed, winning 10 of their last 11 games after a February turnaround.

Hidalgo, who recorded a triple-double in their recent win, acknowledges the Huskies' dominance but credits the team's growth and confidence gained from experience. 'I feel like I can say that UConn hasn't seen the best Notre Dame,' Hidalgo stated, highlighting the Irish's improved play. Coach Niele Ivey, a former UConn player and championship winner, emphasizes the need for unwavering confidence against the Huskies' physicality, stating, 'They can crush you from the beginning, so you have to have confidence for 40 minutes.' The programs' storied rivalry remains intense, with UConn leading the overall series 40-16, though Notre Dame holds a winning record in NCAA tournament matchups. The Huskies seek their 17th Final Four appearance, while the Irish, a No. 6 seed, enter with 'nothing to lose,' as Ivey put it, embracing the underdog role after being widely doubted.