Notre Dame Fighting Irish News: Freshmen have a day, more
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish basketball teams had two very different days but they had something in common and that was their freshmen performances.
The men’s basketball team won their first game under new head coach Micah Shrewsberry. The women’s team got off to a fast start against sixth-ranked South Carolina but faded down the stretch and eventually lost 100-71.
While the outcomes were very different, one thing was clear from Monday’s games. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have some very talented freshmen.
There was of course, Markus Burton and his record 29 points as a freshman men’s basketball player on Monday night. And there was Hannah Hidalgo’s 31 points against South Carolina. There were other freshmen who participated in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish games on Monday.
Both squads have some bright futures. Despite the loss, the women’s team might be brighter this year, but the future is going to be interesting to watch.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish player a Butkus seminfinalist
He hasn’t gotten the headlines that some other Notre Dame Football players have gotten this season but Marist Liufau is having himself a heck of a season. That’s why he’s on the short list for the Butkus Award.
He’s joined on the list by:
- Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
- Jaylan Ford, Texas
- Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- Jay Higgins, Iowa
- Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
- Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
- Payton Wilson, NC State
Liufau has 39 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble this season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Soccer headed to the tourney
The Notre Dame Women’s Soccer team is officially headed to the NCAA Tournament. It was announced on Monday afternoon that they’ll be hosting a game against Valparaiso.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a three-seed in the tourney and will play on Saturday night.