For the first time since January of 2019, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women are ranked No. 1 in the country.

They got off to a great start in their first game as No. 1, as they knocked off No. 11 Duke, 64-49.

After allowing 19 points to Duke in the first quarter, the Notre Dame defense responded and allowed just eight points in the second quarter, eight points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth quarter. 

Forty-nine points for Duke was its lowest since Jan. 9, when they scored just 46 in a loss to North Carolina.

Hannah Hidalgo led all scorers with 19 points. She has now scored double digit points in every single game of her college career.

Sonia Citron had an all-around great game, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal. Maddy Westbeld was also in double figures with 11 points.

Taina Mair was the only Duke player in double figures, finishing with 15 points. Mair's 15 points were her second most of the season.

Ashlon Jackson and Toby Fournier average a combined 25 points per game this season, but they finished Monday with just 13.

Notre Dame has just one game remaining against a ranked opponent and that comes Sunday when they travel to Raleigh and take on No. 13 NC State.

A favorable remaining schedule has the Fighting Irish in prime position to be the No. 1 overall seed in the Women's NCAA Tournament.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.