SOUTH BEND, Ind. — When No. 15 Notre Dame (1-0) takes the court in Purcell Pavilion on Sunday against Chicago State (1-1), the Irish will don alternate uniforms paying homage to the local community. Dubbed “The Bend” game, it will feature black and gold uniforms with just that painted across the chest.
Notre Dame is coming off of a 98-52 victory over FDU in its season opener. Hannah Hidalgo picked up right where she left off last season, scoring a team-leading 27 points. Duke transfer Vanessa de Jesus showed she is ready to take the next step in her collegiate career, dropping a career-high 22 points and going 4-6 from beyond the arc.
Fellow transfer Gisela Sanchez used her height against an undersized Knights squad to post her first career double-double (14 points/12 rebounds). She went 6-8 from the floor, including 2-2 from 3-point range. South Bend native Kelly Ratigan saw notable minutes in the opener, sinking a triple in the process.
Chicago State has split their two games this season, most recently defeating Winthrop on Wednesday. Sophomore guard Aiyanna Culver paced the Cougars with 33 points, including 18 in the first half.
Sunday’s contest will tip off on ACCNX at 3 p.m. Tyler Reidy, Molly O’Malley and Zora Rodgers will have the call.
Hannah Hidalgo