Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Irish notch first win of 2020-21

The Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team notched their first win of the season on Sunday behind Destinee Walker, beating Miami (OH) by 20.

It only took two games, but the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team notched the first win of the Niele Ivey Era on Sunday against Miami (OH). Ivey, who took over for Muffet McGraw this offseason, saw her team lose the season opener against Ohio on Friday, but bounced back in a big way against the Red Hawks.

In a game where the Irish took control early and then hung on, Ivey found a way to win without returning starters Sam Brunelle, Katlyn Gilbert, and Mikki Vaughn, all of who missed their second straight game. It was a gritty victory from a team who got contributions up and down the lineup, especially from guard Destinee Walker.

Walker, a transfer from North Carolina, led all scorers with 24 points, and got plenty of help, especially from freshman Maddy Westbeld. Westbeld was named a preseason Newcomer of the Year by the conference, and she followed up 11 points in her college debut on Friday with 19 on Sunday.

Irish got it done without help from Mabrey

After scoring 34 points in a dominant effort in the loss against Ohio, Dara Mabrey got into foul trouble early and really was a non-factor for the Irish. Mabrey finished the game 0-3 from the three-point line, racked up three fouls, and was held scoreless throughout.

Luckily for Ivey, four members of her squad scored in double-figures, as Anaya Peoples and Abby Prohaska had 14 and ten points respectively. It was a total team effort, and as the team looks ahead to a tough task this week, the hope is that they can get the entire roster back.

That tough task is a Thursday clash against No. 23 Michigan, who have gotten out to a 2-0 start and have scored more than 90 points in each of their first two wins. This is going to be an exciting Irish team to watch this season, and with a stellar recruiting class coming in, the future is bright for Ivey and company.