Hannah Hidalgo, the standout guard for Notre Dame, made headlines during the Sweet 16 by breaking the NCAA Division I record for steals in a single season. In a thrilling game against Vanderbilt, she achieved a triple-double, scoring 31 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and stealing the ball 10 times. This performance also set a new record for total steals in a single NCAA tournament, surpassing the previous best of 23 held by Ticha Penicheiro and Emily Engstler.
Hidalgo’s seven steals in the first half propelled her past Lamar’s Chastadie Barrs, who recorded 192 steals in the 2018-19 season. Steals have been tracked by the NCAA since the 1987-88 season, and Hidalgo’s achievement highlights her defensive prowess. By the end of the third quarter, she had accumulated nine steals, finishing strong with a total of ten.
This game was a critical victory for Notre Dame, allowing them to advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face either North Carolina or UConn. Throughout the tournament, Hidalgo has already showcased her talent, notching at least eight steals in multiple games.
Recognized as the ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this season, Hidalgo holds records not only for the ACC but also for Notre Dame, where she is the only player to exceed 400 career steals. In the recent match, teammate Cassandre Prosper contributed another 15 points, while Mikayla Blakes led Vanderbilt with 26 points and eight rebounds.
These achievements draw attention to the growing talent and competitiveness in women’s basketball, especially as more players like Hidalgo gain recognition for their skills. With stats showing women’s college basketball drawing more viewers each year, Hidalgo’s record is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for the sport.
As fans and analysts reflect on her performance, it’s clear that Hidalgo is shaping up to be a pivotal player in collegiate basketball history.
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