In the world of women’s college basketball, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is proving to be a hotbed of competition and unexpected performances. Notre Dame, perennially strong, remains a top contender with its solid performance in the preseason rankings. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech has emerged as an unlikely powerhouse, boasting an undefeated record. Conversely, Stanford, a newcomer to the ACC, faces significant adjustments and struggles. The season is shaping up to be one of unpredictability, with teams like Duke and North Carolina also vying for prominence.
Notre Dame's Dominance and ACC's Competitive Landscape
The ACC continues to demonstrate its strength in women’s basketball, having sent a representative to the Final Four in eight out of the past ten NCAA tournaments. Notre Dame, now ranked third in ESPN’s Power Rankings, stands out as a formidable force within the conference. This team’s consistent excellence, including their national championship win in 2018, underscores their status as a top contender. With a No. 1 seed in Bracketology, the Irish are well-positioned for another successful tournament run.
Notre Dame’s recent victory over North Carolina highlights their resilience and depth. Fifth-year senior Maddy Westbeld made her season debut after recovering from a foot injury, adding valuable experience to the roster. The team’s ability to maintain strong rebounding stats even without Westbeld speaks volumes about their overall talent. As they prepare for upcoming matches against Wake Forest and Clemson, the Fighting Irish remain focused on defending their top spot in the ACC.
Georgia Tech's Rise and Stanford's Adjustment Period
The ACC has seen some surprising developments this season, none more notable than Georgia Tech’s emergence as a dominant force. The Yellow Jackets have started the season with a perfect 15-0 record, defying early expectations that placed them tenth in the preseason poll. Led by freshmen Dani Carnegie and juniors Kara Dunn and Tonie Morgan, Georgia Tech’s guard trio has been instrumental in their success. Projected as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, the Yellow Jackets could potentially host early rounds for the first time in their history.
On the other hand, Stanford, making its inaugural appearance in the ACC, faces a challenging transition. After decades of dominance under head coach Tara VanDerveer, the Cardinal now grapple with new leadership and player turnover. Their current 0-3 record in league play reflects the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment. Despite these challenges, Stanford remains committed to rebuilding and finding its footing in the competitive ACC landscape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how well the Cardinal can adapt and compete against seasoned opponents.