In a thrilling culmination of the 2026 Women’s March Madness Elite Eight round, the final two participants in the Final Four have been determined, as both UConn and UCLA, top-seeded teams, secured their advancement to the championship stage set to take place in Phoenix. This decisive outcome unfolded on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the tournament.
Despite an initially sluggish offensive display, the UConn Huskies managed to suppress the surprising challenge posed by the No. 6 Notre Dame squad, ultimately triumphing with a commanding 70-52 scoreline. Central to this victory was Sarah Strong, widely regarded as the frontrunner for Player of the Year honors, who delivered an impressive all-around performance—amassing 21 points, securing seven rebounds, and contributing five steals.
Standout Performances Propel Teams Forward
Adding a remarkable chapter to the Huskies’ tournament legacy, freshman Blanca Quiñonez made history by scoring 20 points off the bench, becoming the first UConn player to reach such a scoring mark during the Elite Eight or subsequent rounds. Her contribution was instrumental in overcoming the formidable effort of an opposing player who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring the depth and resilience of the UConn roster.
Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins showcased their tenacity by narrowly fending off Duke to clinch their second consecutive berth in the Final Four. Their defensive grit and strategic execution under pressure were decisive factors in preserving their place among the nation’s elite teams, as captured in visuals by Jed Jacobsohn/NCAA Photos via Getty Images.
With these victories, the tournament’s upper echelon is now firmly established, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested Final Four showdown. Both UConn and UCLA enter this penultimate phase carrying the weight of expectations and the momentum gleaned from their commanding Elite Eight performances.