The UConn Huskies continued their remarkable dominance in women's college basketball by securing their 54th consecutive victory on Sunday afternoon in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament. Facing off against sixth-seeded Notre Dame, the Huskies emerged with a 70-52 win, clinching their spot in the 2026 Women's Final Four, which will be held in Phoenix. This milestone marked UConn as the first team to earn a place in the Final Four this season.
During the postgame ceremony, UConn's legendary head coach Geno Auriemma was playfully adorned with a cowboy hat, a nod to the Texas setting of the game. Reflecting on the achievement, Auriemma expressed profound pride in his team, stating, "I don't think I've ever been prouder to take a team to the Final Four than this team right here." This declaration is particularly significant given the rich history and high standards of the UConn program, which is making its 25th Final Four appearance overall and 17th in the past 18 years. Since 2003, UConn boasts more Final Four appearances than any other school has throughout its entire history.
Senior guard Azzi Fudd, a key player for the Huskies, was moved by Auriemma's praise. She emphasized the weight of his words, noting that the coach does not dispense compliments lightly. "It means a lot," Fudd said. "We love this team so much, so it does mean the world to go to the Final Four with everyone." Her comments highlight the strong team chemistry and mutual respect that have fueled UConn's success this season.
The Huskies enter the Final Four with an unblemished record of 38-0, marking the ninth time in program history they have reached this stage undefeated. In Phoenix, they will attempt to complete their seventh undefeated season, a feat they last achieved in 2016. Additionally, UConn is vying to win consecutive national championships for the fourth time in its storied history. The last repeat championship run was during the Breanna Stewart era from 2013 to 2016, underscoring the historic nature of the current team's pursuit.
Sunday's victory, while decisive, was not without its challenges. UConn's offense struggled at times, scoring only 12 points in the second quarter and 15 in the third. Azzi Fudd was held to 13 points and was unable to connect on any three-point shots. Despite these offensive hurdles, the Huskies' defense was a stalwart force throughout the contest, helping them maintain control from start to finish. Their ability to stay composed under pressure was a critical factor in securing the win.
Coach Auriemma acknowledged the difficulty of the game and the burden carried by an undefeated team heading into such a high-stakes matchup. "Winning this game is so hard," he said. "Imagine the catastrophic feeling if UConn loses this game today. Oh my God, 38 or whatever the heck we are, and everybody back home everywhere, oh, you're undefeated, and you can't get to the Final Four. That's tragedy." His remarks underline the immense pressure the team faces, as well as his relief and joy at seeing them advance.
Reflecting on last season's journey, Auriemma noted that the path to the championship was not always smooth. The 2024-25 Huskies lost three games and did not achieve the No. 1 ranking until the end of the season. They entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed and only began to hit their stride in March. In contrast, this current UConn squad has demonstrated consistent dominance, maintaining the No. 1 ranking throughout the entire season. They have won nearly all their games by comfortable margins, with only one close contest-a 72-69 victory over Michigan in November-standing out.
This 2025-26 team, led by sophomore standout Sarah Strong and senior leader Azzi Fudd, has shown remarkable poise. They have rarely trailed in games and have faced little true adversity in competitive play. Yet, Auriemma praised the group's mental toughness and focus, attributes that have helped them carry the heavy expectations that come with an undefeated record.
"I am really proud of them because getting all the way to this point undefeated is a lot of baggage to carry," Auriemma said. "Every day somebody is coming after you to break your streak or to, you know - you have to carry that 'we're undefeated.' So I'm really proud of the way they've handled all this and how they don't let it bother them. They don't get caught up in anything other than, 'What do we have to do today?'"
While many Final Four teams reach that stage after overcoming significant midseason setbacks or tough losses, this UConn team's journey has been remarkably smooth. When asked about adversity, both players and coaches pointed to the challenges they create internally during practice as the key to their preparedness. Auriemma humorously described himself as the main source of adversity, explaining how he pushes the players every day to prepare for the intensity of tournament play.
"As far as adversity goes, I would say the adversity is me, right?" Auriemma said. "Every day for five months, they have to put up with me, so I try to be for them all the things that can happen at this time of the year that you need to be prepared for. I'm the officials that are calling every single foul in practice. I'm the other team that's making every three. I'm the other team that won't let the ball go in the basket. I'm the one that is changing the rules and making sure that they have to fight through it."
Azzi Fudd echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the confidence the team has gained from their rigorous preparation. "We can be confident knowing that we've been prepared," she said. "Our coaches - what we've done the last 35, however many games, was all in preparation for moments like this. So when it comes down to it, we have full confidence in ourselves, in each other. We know the coaches feel the same."
As the Huskies prepare to compete in the Final Four, their sights are set on continuing their historic run. With a perfect season on the line and the prospect of back-to-back national titles, UConn remains a team to watch closely. Their blend of experienced leadership, talented young players, and a coaching staff that meticulously prepares them for every challenge has cemented their place as one of the most formidable programs in women's college basketball history.
In summary, the UConn Huskies' 70-52 victory over Notre Dame not only extended their winning streak to 54 games but also secured their place in the 2026 Women's Final Four. Led by coach Geno Auriemma and senior guard Azzi Fudd, the team is on track for a potentially historic undefeated season and a chance to claim consecutive national championships. Despite some offensive setbacks in the recent game, their defense and mental toughness have carried them forward. Their journey reflects a combination of talent, preparation, and resilience, qualities that have defined UConn's sustained excellence in women's basketball.