NCAA Tournament Players of the Week: First & Second Rounds
The opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament delivered dominant performances across the board, as players stepped up on the biggest stage to lead their teams into the second weekend. From elite scoring outbursts to defensive takeovers and all-around brilliance, this week’s honorees showcased impact in every phase of the game.
Freshman of the Week
Blanca Quinonez – Connecticut
Blanca Quinonez made an immediate impact in her first NCAA Tournament appearance, playing efficiently and confidently across both rounds. In the First Round win over UTSA, she posted 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks in just 19 minutes. She followed that with an even sharper performance against Syracuse, scoring 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting while adding four assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Across the two games, Quinonez totaled 33 points, eight rebounds, six assists, five steals, and four blocks while shooting an efficient 13-of-20 from the field. Averaging 20.0 minutes per game, she proved to be a highly productive presence on both ends of the floor, giving Connecticut a major boost in limited time.
Sixth (Bench) Player of the Week
Caitlin Weimar – Virginia
Caitlin Weimar provided consistent and efficient production off the bench as Virginia battled through the First Four and into the Second Round. She opened with a strong double-double against Arizona State, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 4-of-5 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from the line.
She continued to contribute in a First Round overtime win at Georgia and delivered another strong showing in the Second Round at Iowa, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds. Across three games, Weimar totaled 29 points, 21 rebounds, and five blocks while shooting an impressive 11-of-15 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line.
Her efficiency, rebounding presence, and interior defense played a key role in Virginia’s postseason run.
Defensive Player of the Week
Hannah Hidalgo – Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo put together a defensive performance that completely altered both games for Notre Dame. In the First Round win over Fairfield, she recorded eight steals and eight defensive rebounds, disrupting possessions throughout the contest. She followed that effort with another eight steals and 11 defensive rebounds in the Second Round win at Ohio State.
Hidalgo finished the weekend with an eye-popping 16 steals and 19 defensive rebounds, showcasing elite anticipation, quickness, and defensive instincts. Her ability to create turnovers and control the defensive glass made her one of the most impactful players of the tournament’s opening rounds.
Offensive Player of the Week
Lauren Betts – UCLA
Lauren Betts dominated offensively with two highly efficient and productive performances. In the First Round against Cal Baptist, she recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 9-of-15 from the field. She elevated her performance in the Second Round, delivering a 35-point outing on an outstanding 15-of-19 shooting, along with nine rebounds and five assists.
Over the two games, Betts totaled 57 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 24-of-34 from the field. Averaging 28.5 points per game, she was a consistent interior force and one of the most difficult matchups in the tournament’s opening weekend.
Player of the Week
Olivia Miles – TCU
Olivia Miles delivered one of the most complete performances of the tournament, impacting every aspect of the game across two wins. In the First Round against UC San Diego, she recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists, adding two steals and a block.
She followed that with another all-around performance in an overtime win against Washington, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Across both games, Miles totaled 30 points, 26 rebounds, and 22 assists, averaging 38.5 minutes per game.
Her ability to control tempo, facilitate offense, and contribute on the glass made her the driving force behind TCU’s advancement, earning her Player of the Week honors.
