NCAAW: Re-live the best moments from TCU’s Sweet 16 win over Notre Dame

[ad_1] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags In November, TCU, then ranked No. 17, handed No. 3-ranked Notre Dame their first loss, with Hailey Van Lith scoring 21 points to lead the Horned Frogs to the win at the Cayman Islands Classic. On Saturday, Van Lith and the Horned Frogs did it again, delivering the Fighting Irish an even more detrimental loss.

Behind 26 points from Van Lith, No. 2-seed TCU defeated No. 3-seed Notre Dame 71-62 in the Sweet 16, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.

Swish Appeal’s contributing photographer Christina Merrion was in Birmingham with her lens fixed on Van Lith, capturing some of the most memorable scenes from the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

No, it would not be easy, but Hailey Van Lith would lead TCU into the program’s first Elite Eight. After the game, she said, “I was going to go out there and play as hard as I could to practice with these girls tomorrow.” Christina Merrion.

Before the Sweet 16, Van Lith spoke about why she opened up about the mental health struggles she experienced earlier in her basketball career, while also sharing her appreciation for the support she has received for doing so. Christina Merrion.

Continuing to play through an ankle injury, Olivia Miles finished with 10 points and three assists in what might have been her final game in a Notre Dame jersey. Projected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Miles indicated she is “still thinking about what I want to do, but leaning towards the draft.” Christina Merrion.

Sonia Citron’s Notre Dame career closed with nine points and four rebounds. Out of college eligibility, she is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Christina Merrion.

One of the nation’s best 3-point shooters, Madison Conner contributed 13 points in TCU’s victory, going 2-for-4 from behind the arc. Christina Merrion.

Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo had the worst shooting performance of her otherwise outstanding college career. She finished 3-for-19 from the field, totaling 15 points. Christina Merrion.

After hitting a 3-pointer, Van Lith celebrates with Sedona Prince. After the game, Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey praised Van Lith for rising to the moment, saying, “I feel like she saw the ball go in and she kinda rose. You could tell her energy, her confidence was getting stronger, play by play.” Christina Merrion.

Conner encourages Van Lith to soak in well-deserved cheers after she led TCU into the Elite Eight. It will be Van Lith’s fifth trip to the Elite Eight. After the game, Conner said of her teammate, “I think Hailey’s a dog, overall. Regardless of if it’s on the offensive end or on the defensive end, she’s going to do anything it takes to win. She has that competitive edge.” Christina Merrion.