Niele Ivey: Hannah Hidalgo is "One of the Best Guards I've Ever Coached" After Notre Dame's 79-60 victory over Fairfield, head coach Niele Ivey, Hannah Hidalgo, and Cassandre Prosper addressed the media following the game. Ivey opened the press conference by highlighting the defensive effort behind the win, citing the team's 19 forced turnovers as a key factor. She emphasized her satisfaction with the team's trust and resilience throughout the season. Fairfield entered the matchup averaging 30.8 three-point attempts per game and shooting 11.4 three-pointers per contest. Hidalgo acknowledged the challenge of facing such a potent shooting team but noted the Irish's strategy to pressure Fairfield into contested shots. "We knew they were going to make threes," Hidalgo said, "but we were intentional about driving them off the line and limiting the damage." Prosper spoke about the team's mindset for the next round, stating the Irish aimed to "punch them in the face first" to disrupt the opponent's confidence through aggressive defense. The Irish's approach aligns with their overall style, as Ohio State, their next opponent, is known for its aggressive playstyle focused on forcing turnovers. Hidalgo added that the team's experience with ups and downs this season has prepared them for such challenges, stressing the importance of playing within themselves to secure victories. When asked about Hidalgo's role on the team, Ivey praised her as one of the best two-way players she has ever coached. She highlighted Hidalgo's leadership, which proved crucial during the season as the team adapted to new dynamics. Ivey's comments underscored the impact of Hidalgo's contributions both offensively and defensively, reinforcing her value as a key player in the program's success.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #cassandre_prosper #niele_ivey #fairfield
