CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Make that a program record seven conference rookie weekly honors for Hannah Hidalgo.
On Monday, the Irish point guard earned another ACC Rookie of the Week award, topping the former Notre Dame record of six set by Jacqueline Batteast (Big East), Alicia Ratay (Big East), Brianna Turner (ACC) and Sonia Citron (ACC). All four of those players went on to earn their respective conference’s Rookie of the Year honors. The ACC record for rookie awards is 10 and was set last year by Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson.
As Notre Dame moves into conference play, and despite a 1-1 record this week, Hidalgo continues to shine on both ends of the court. In a 71-66 victory at Pittsburgh on Thursday, the South Jersey native posted 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. The 24 points was the most by any ACC rookie this week. It also marked the 11th time this year that Hidalgo has posted 20+ points, which ranks third in Notre Dame freshman history. The record is 13 and is held by Beth Morgan.
The Irish lost a heartbreaker to North Carolina on Sunday, but Hidalgo had 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The 17-11 combination marked her fourth double-double of the season and her third in the last five games.
On the whole, Hidalgo continues to lead the ACC with 23.9 points per game and lead the nation with 5.7 swipes per contest. Hidalgo’s 74 steals on the year amounts to 24 more than the next-highest ACC player and is just 16 shy of the Notre Dame freshman record (Skylar Diggins).
Hidalgo and the Irish will be back in action on Thursday as Purcell Pavilion hosts Boston College.