Geno Auriemma knows the problem that Hannah Hidalgo will be for UConn in Elite Eight

Hannah Hidalgo knew that this season was different and planned to go into the Sweet 16 matchup against Vanderbilt with a different mindset. The expectations were not there for the Irish as they have been in years past, and Hidalgo took advantage of that.

The Irish are heading back to the Elite Eight for the first time in Hidalgo's career, and her triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals helped lead the way. Hidalgo was just three assists away from a quadruple-double, and her performance against Vandy was one for the record books.

Now, Notre Dame will face the defending National Champions, the UConn Huskies, in a game that many will love to see. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma was asked about Hidalgo's Elite Eight performance after the Huskies' win, and it is clear he is aware of everything she can do.

"That performance by Hannah was just one for the ages," Auriemma said. "To watch her play and see how she impacts everything that happens on the court, every moment of the game. It's a treat watching her play, until you have to play against her."

This will not be the first time Notre Dame takes on UConn this season, as the two teams met back in January in a game where the Huskies totally dominated 85-47. This is a very different Notre Dame team, though. They are healthier, like Auriemma said, and have tons of confidence.

When the star player of a team is playing the way Hidalgo is, it is easy to have a lot of confidence. Hidalgo said that this team is simply going to ride this ride as long as possible because they weren't even projected to go this far, and now it is simply surprising everyone from here on out.