March Madness: Thrilling Day 1 Highlights from the Women’s NCAA Tournament

The 2025 women’s NCAA tournament has tipped off, bringing basketball fans to the edge of their seats. On March 21, 2025, 16 teams took to the court for opening day, serving up thrilling matchups and emotional victories. From impressive blowouts to intense nail-biters, the first day of the tournament gave fans a taste of what to expect in this year’s March Madness. Keep track of all the action with live updates and comprehensive analysis by refreshing the official scoreboards.

Key Highlights from Day 1

• Duke Dominates Lehigh: Duke overwhelmed Lehigh with an astounding 86-25 victory, showcasing their fierce defense.
• Tennessee Shines Against South Florida: Tennessee roared to a 101-66 win, highlighted by a remarkable shooting performance from beyond the arc.
• Richmond’s Surprising Victory: Richmond secured a commanding 74-49 win over Georgia Tech, sending a message to their future competitors.
• Oregon Upsets Vanderbilt: Oregon pulled off the biggest upset of the day, edging Vanderbilt 77-73 in a thrilling overtime battle.
• South Carolina’s Record-Setting Win: South Carolina dominated Tennessee Tech with a massive 108-48 victory, marking a historic performance in NCAA tournament history.

Duke’s Defensive Masterclass

Duke’s formidable defense stifled Lehigh, holding them to just 25 points—the second-lowest score in NCAA tournament history. Following a brilliant first half where Duke contested nearly every shot, they continued to push the pace and capitalize on turnovers. “Our defense was relentless,” stated Duke’s coach. “We executed our game plan perfectly.”

Tennessee’s Three-Point Barrage

Tennessee’s success hinged on their impressive three-point shooting, converting 16 of 37 attempts. “We moved the ball well, and everyone contributed,” said Coach Kim Caldwell. The Lady Vols’ combination of depth and defense overwhelmed South Florida, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.

Oregon’s Overtime Win

In a nail-biting finish, Oregon emerged victorious against Vanderbilt. They led for most of the game but faced a late surge from the Commodores. Key contributions from players like Mikayla Blakes helped secure the win. “Every possession mattered in overtime, and our defense stepped up when it had to,” commented Oregon’s coach.

Notable Performances

• Maggie Doogan (Richmond): Scored 30 points in a dominant display against Georgia Tech.
• Jordan Hobbs (Michigan): Tied a tournament record with 28 points, leading Michigan to a win over Iowa State.
• Georgia Amoore (Kentucky): Scored 34 points, matching the record for the most points by a Kentucky player in a tournament game during a close win against Liberty.

What’s Next?

With the first day of matches concluded, teams will now prepare for the second round. High-stakes matchups are on the horizon as major players like Indiana and Baylor gear up to face off against challenging opponents. The excitement of March Madness continues as we anticipate more upsets, compelling storylines, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage!

Conclusion

The first day of the women’s NCAA tournament was nothing short of electrifying, filled with compelling matchups and standout performances. As we progress through March Madness, fans can expect even more thrilling action, surprising upsets, and the emergence of new stars on the national stage. The tournament is just getting started, so keep your eyes peeled for what’s next!

Keywords: March Madness, women’s NCAA tournament, basketball highlights, Duke, Tennessee, Oregon, upsets, Day 1 results

Hashtags: #MarchMadness #NCAAW #WomensBasketball #WomensNCAATournament #SportsHighlights

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