SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame put on a show in its first public appearance of the season, as the sixth-ranked Irish topped Davenport in an exhibition match on Wednesday night, 101-41.
Notre Dame got off to a fast start, outscoring the Panthers 33-6 in the first quarter. Hannah Hidalgo had 14 points, 3 assists and 2 steals in just over 7 minutes played. She was 5-5 from the floor. Olivia Miles returned to the game after nearly two years, starting strong with 2 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal and a block in her first quarter back.
At the half, Notre Dame was up 63-17 and had three players in double-figures — Hidalgo (18), Liatu King (17) and Miles (12). The group shot 77.4 percent from the floor and had 11 steals and 8 blocks.
It was more of the same out of the break, as the Irish outscored Davenport in the third quarter, 28-7.
At the buzzer, Notre Dame had four players in double-figures, including freshman Kate Koval. The 6-5 forward recorded 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks on the night. She led the team in rejections.
Both Hidalgo and Miles were on triple-double watch on the night, as Hidalgo finished with 31 points, 7 boards, 9 assists and 5 steals. Miles had 15, 10, 9 and 2, respectively. King, who had 18 double-doubles last year at Pittsburgh, notched 27 points and 14 boards while shooting 11-15 on the night.
Notre Dame formally opens its season at Purcell Pavilion on Monday against Mercyhurst. The game will air on the ACC Network, and tip off is at 5 p.m.