Hannah Hidalgo shows NFL-like skills and Notre Dame beats Villanova in women’s hoops opener in Rome

Hannah Hidalgo displayed NFL-like skills in the women's college basketball opener for Notre Dame in Rome. The preseason All-American senior scored 32 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals as the No. 13 Fighting Irish defeated Villanova 99-75. Notre Dame also claimed victory in the men's game at the Eternal City Tip-Off, which featured an audience with Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV and their fans on Saturday.

In the first half, Hidalgo executed a leaping steal reminiscent of a defensive back in the NFL, followed by another jump to save the ball before passing it to a teammate. Sophomore Leah Macy contributed 27 points in her debut for Notre Dame after missing her freshman year due to a knee injury sustained during high school. Jasmin Bascoe led Villanova with 26 points, but missed all seven of her three-point shots. The Fighting Irish will face Stone Hill in their season opener on Friday.