Irish Host Chicago State in ‘The Bend’ Game Showdown

Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team is set to host Chicago State in a highly anticipated matchup. Scheduled for Sunday at Purcell Pavilion, the game is part of the “The Bend” initiative, with both teams ready to showcase their skills. The Irish enter this contest with a ranking of No. 15 and a season record of 1-0.
Match Details
The game tips off at 3 p.m. and will be streamed on ACCNX. The broadcast will feature commentators Tyler Reidy, Molly O’Malley, and Zora Rodgers.
Notre Dame’s Momentum
Notre Dame is coming off an impressive 98-52 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). In this game, Hannah Hidalgo led the team with 27 points, continuing her strong performance from last season. Vanessa de Jesus, a transfer from Duke, also shined, scoring a career-high of 22 points. She exhibited accurate shooting, hitting 4 of 6 from three-point range.
Notable Performances
- Hannah Hidalgo: 27 points
- Vanessa de Jesus: 22 points (4-6 from three-point range)
- Gisela Sanchez: First career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds
- Kelly Ratigan: Contributed with a crucial three-pointer
Gisela Sanchez utilized her height effectively against FDU, shooting 6 of 8 from the field, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. South Bend native Kelly Ratigan also made an impact, earning valuable minutes and contributing a three-pointer.
Chicago State’s Recent Performance
Chicago State enters the game with a record of 1-1, having recently claimed victory over Winthrop. In that game, sophomore guard Aiyanna Culver led the Cougars with an impressive 33 points. Culver’s performance included scoring 18 points in the first half, establishing herself as a key player for Chicago State.
Key Players for Chicago State
- Aiyanna Culver: 33 points against Winthrop
Both teams will be eager to make a statement in this competitive matchup. Fans can expect an exciting game as Notre Dame’s squad aims to build on their success while Chicago State seeks to even their record.




