Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team Ranked No. 1 in the AP Preseason Poll

A Strong Follow Up to a Magical NCAA Tournament

As you all know, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women’s Basketball Team pulled off two miraculous comebacks in the 2018 Final Four to win the 2018 National Championship. An incredible journey for Muffett McGraw, the team, the fans, and Arike Ogunbowale, who hit both game-winning shots.

A new season is upon us, and the Irish are now ranked Preaseason Number 1 in the AP Poll. They are ranked right above the UConn Huskies and then the Oregon Ducks, both teams that the Irish bested on the way to the National Championship. Louisville, the last team to beat Notre Dame (in the ACC Championship) is Number 5, and Mississippi State, the team the Irish beat in the final, clock in at number 6.

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Considering the Irish still won the national championship last season after four players suffered ACL tears is one of the most impressive accomplishments in sports. It was an incredible and improbable run. The best thing (and the scariest thing for the rest of women’s college basketball) is that the players who got hurt are coming back. Arike, Marina Mabrey, Jackie Young, and Jessica Shepard are all back; Brianna Turner is now back from her injury that left her out for more than a full season. Turner is one of the best players in the game. All of the factors and players that are still with the team lend this season to have the same high expectations as last year. A chance to repeat as national champions is definitely on the horizon for the Irish.

Opening of the Season

Last night, the Irish opened up the season with a 107-65 home victory over Lewis University. It was an exhibition game, and the last game before the season fully begins on Tuesday, November 9 at home against Harvard.

Keep checking in with me throughout the season for your updates and news on the Irish Women’s Basketball Team.