NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The Notre Dame women's basketball team is heading to the Sweet Sixteen after Monday night's win over Arizona State. The Fighting Irish will have to beat Oklahoma State at Purcell Pavilion to move on to the Elite Eight.



The fans are excited to attend the game at home Saturday.

"It's going to be totally wild," said Kevin Morrison, Fighting Irish fan. "We're going to be a little bit off to the side for a little bit but I just wanted to make sure that I was able to stand and cheer because I enjoy standing and cheering and the house is going to be rocking."

 

Players are also excited about getting the home court advantage.



"We had a lot of pro Notre Dame crowd tonight but to be in South Bend and be in our home arena is going to be really exciting for us to get back to the fans that give so much for us is going to be great," said Natalie Achonwa, Irish forward.



Playing at home, surrounded by friendly fans, is a unique opportunity in tournament play.



For the team's seniors, it will make this trip to the Sweet Sixteen that much sweeter.

 

"I think we've been spoiled it's been pretty nice. It's not something that happens often with many teams so I think I'm really blessed to have that opportunity, so I think we're just going to try to take advantage of it," said Irish forward Ariel Braker.

 

Players say their ultimate goal is to make it to Nashville for the National Championship. They've come very close the last four years.



"It's always exciting to play on your home floor and have a home court advantage but it's just another game, people are going to come and bring their A-game every single day so hopefully we're ready and prepared for that," said Jewell Loyd, Irish guard.



Oklahoma State ended Purdue's Sweet Sixteen bid Monday night with a 73-66 win over the Boilermakers.