Sports
Women’s NCAA Tournament 2025: First Round Highlights and Key Matches
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The first round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament commenced on Friday, featuring 64 teams competing for opportunities to advance towards the championship title. The tournament takes center stage annually and captivates basketball fans nationwide during March Madness.
The action kicked off with a thrilling matchup as the sixth-seeded Michigan Wolverines edged out the 11th-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in an 80-74 victory. Michigan’s Jordan Hobbs was instrumental, scoring 28 points to secure the win and advance the Wolverines (23-10) to a second-round contest against the winner of the Notre Dame–Stephen F. Austin game on Sunday.
In another nail-biter, the fourth-seeded Kentucky Wildcats nearly faltered after enjoying a robust 17-point lead but fended off a surge from the 13th-seeded Liberty Flames, winning 79-78. Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore showcased her scoring prowess with 34 points, including three key free throws in the final seconds.
The ninth-seeded Indiana Hoosiers continued their winning streak in the NCAA Tournament, triumphing 76-68 over eighth-seeded Utah. Yarden Garzon led Indiana with 17 points. Following their victory, the Hoosiers anticipate a tough showdown with the defending national champions, the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks.
Notre Dame, the third seed, excelled in their matchup against Stephen F. Austin, finishing with a commanding 106-54 win despite the early exit of star guard Olivia Miles due to a left knee injury.
A standout performance came from Ayoka Lee of fifth-seeded Kansas State, who scored 17 points and gathered 10 rebounds in the Wildcats’ 85-41 victory against Fairfield, marking a triumphant return to the court after injury.
The tournament also saw Baylor advance with a solid 73-60 win against Grand Canyon, led by Aaronette Vonleh’s 25 points and 11 rebounds.
The second round promises even more excitement as teams gear up to battle for a chance at the coveted Sweet 16. Brackets continue to shape up this weekend, highlighting emerging stars and anticipated rivalries as March Madness unfolds.
