"I prayed for times like these": UConn Fans get emotional after major Azzi Fudd update vs Holy Cross

Fourth-year UConn star Azzi Fudd returned as a starter on Tuesday against the Holy Cross Crusaders more than a year after being out with a major knee injury. After coming off the bench for three games, she graced Tuesday's game from the tip and played out her tandem with Paige Bueckers early in the matchup.

Fudd played 18 minutes, scoring seven points and making two steals as No. 2 UConn (7-0) rolled 88-52 over Holy Cross (4-4).

Considering that this was her first starting nod since Nov. 12 of last year, fans rejoiced at seeing the senior guard start again.

"Azzi Fudd starting I prayed for times like these," one fan reposted.

"Y’all said she wasn’t gonna make a big comeback. Azzi Fudd you are exactly who you think you are," another fan expressed.

"AZZI FUDD IS IN THE STARTING LINEUP, LFGGG!," one fan exclaimed.

Even fans watching the game in the arena poured in support.

"Super LOUD cheers for Azzi Fudd as she's re-introduced in UConn's starting lineup," a fan reported during the game.

"Azzi Fudd, we’re so glad to have you back," another fan captioned.

"Azzi Fudd makes her return to the starting lineup #UConn," another fan posted.

Fudd's first start of the 2024-2025 season comes after being eased back while coming off the bench by Geno Auriemma. This was because her return on Nov. 20 against the FDU Knights came after a year of dealing with a right knee injury.

Now that she's looking like she can get back within the mix of things, Fudd has opened their seventh game of the season to potentially re-spark her one-two punch with fellow senior star Bueckers.

How has Azzi Fudd fared this season?

Since bouncing back from the knee injury, Fudd averaged 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the three games she suited up for before the Holy Cross game. Those are the lowest averages in a season, but UConn fans don't have to worry considering Fudd is gradually getting back into the thick of things.

Fudd's re-insertion into the main rotation is a welcome sight for Auriemma, Bueckers and the rest of the team in their pursuit of reclaiming a championship trophy for the storied program.