SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame’s commanding 106-54 win over Stephen F. Austin in the NCAA Tournament’s first round came with a note of concern as senior guard Olivia Miles left the game due to a left knee injury. She hit the floor under the SFA basket with less than nine minutes remaining in the final quarter, eventually limping off to the locker room.
A standout first-team All-ACC player, Miles contributed two points and eight assists before her exit. She had already missed the 2023-2024 season because of a similar knee issue.
The Fighting Irish were propelled by the impressive performances of Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron, each racking up 24 points. Liza Karlen also contributed with 13 points, helping secure their victory. Notre Dame, now standing at a 27-5 record, is set to face the sixth-seeded Michigan (23-10) on Sunday.
Hidalgo further showcased her versatility with six rebounds and five assists while Citron pulled down seven rebounds. The Irish defense was formidable, forcing 28 SFA turnovers, snatching 18 steals, and converting a whopping 38-5 point advantage off these turnovers.
For Stephen F. Austin, Trinity Moore was the leading scorer with 14 points. Notre Dame established a strong lead, ending the first quarter at 26-13 and extending it to 46-25 by halftime.