In the aftermath of Notre Dame’s recent 61-57 loss to North Carolina on January 7, 2024, the return of junior guard Sonia Citron was a notable development. Citron, who had been sidelined for over seven weeks due to a knee sprain, made a significant impact by scoring a game-high 18 points and securing seven rebounds. Her performance, despite the team’s defeat, underscored both her resilience and the persistent challenges facing the Fighting Irish.

 

The game highlighted ongoing issues for Notre Dame, particularly in terms of offensive consistency and depth. The team struggled with a season-low shooting percentage of 31% and was outrebounded for the third consecutive game, this time 47-40. These shortcomings were exacerbated by the absence of senior forward Maddy Westbeld, who was sidelined due to a concussion.

 

Head coach Niele Ivey has faced scrutiny regarding the team’s performance and her strategic decisions. The loss to North Carolina marked another instance where the Fighting Irish faltered in crucial moments, raising questions about the team’s preparedness and adaptability under her leadership. Ivey acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Every game, we’re trying to grow, we’re trying to get better.”

 

The concerns surrounding Ivey’s coaching were further amplified by the team’s early exit from the ACC Tournament, where they were upset by Duke with a score of 61-56. Duke’s defensive strategy disrupted Notre Dame’s offense, forcing 16 turnovers and holding the team to low shooting percentages. This loss, coupled with earlier season defeats, has led to increased scrutiny of Ivey’s ability to guide the team through adversity.

 

Adding to the challenges, standout guard Olivia Miles announced her decision to forgo the WNBA Draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal. Miles, a two-time Second Team All-American, was projected to be the No. 2 pick in the draft. Her departure represents a significant blow to the team’s roster and raises further questions about the program’s direction under Ivey’s Leadership.

 

While Citron’s return is a positive development, the team’s recent performances and roster changes suggest deeper issues within the program. Addressing these challenges will be critical for Coach Ivey as she seeks to restore Notre Dame’s prominence in women’s college basketball.