See you in St. Louis
The season is over and Tennessee is the 2008 NCAA Champion, but it's never too early to start thinking about next year. The ticket application for the 2009 Women's Final Four in St. Louis is online now.
Ticket Application
April 08, 2008
The Spoils of Victory
The Tennessee pep band played "Rocky Top" over and over (and over) as the Lady Vols accepted their championship trophy and posed for team photos. And, of course, there was the cutting down of the nets -- the crowd roared when Most Outstanding Player Candace Parker and head coach Pat Summitt took their turns. With 17 points and nine rebounds, Parker is the fourth repeat MOP in the Women's Final Four.
In an interview during the trophy presentation, Summitt said one of the motivating factors in Tennessee's dominating victory was all of the "experts" picking Stanford to win.
But senior Nicky Anosike summed it all up when she made this statement in the postgame press conference. "No one was going to deny us a national championship. If we lost, I was going to live here, but I wasn't going home without one." No worries Nicky -- you won't ever have to change your address to "St. Pete Times Forum".
All Smiles
Senior Shannon Bobbitt, a member of the Women's Final Four All-Tournament Team after scoring 13 points in the final game, smiles and looks at the crowd as she talks with the Tennessee radio crew. Bobbitt is also sporting a brand-new 2008 NCAA Champion T-shirt and hat. Looks good!
Eight is Great
Tennessee successfully defended its 2007 NCAA Championship, claiming its eighth NCAA title tonight with a 64-48 against the Stanford Cardinal. The Lady Vols are 8-5 all-time in NCAA title games, and have now won consecutive championships for the second time in program history. UT won three straight titles between 1996-98.
Well-Rested
Tennessee star Candace Parker looks more at ease tonight after a day of resting her dislocated shoulder. She's got 16 points with less than two minutes left, but Parker has had a lot of help from teammates Shannon Bobbitt (13 points) and Nicky Anoskie (12 points).
Running Out of Time
If Stanford is going to make a run at the lead, the Cardinal needs to start now. The Lady Vols are starting to slow the game down and run out the clock, and seem to be stretching their lead with each possession. UT 58, Stanford 44 with 3:29 left in regulation.
Still in Control
Tennessee has not let up the pressure during second half, and owns a 50-40 lead with 11:58 remaining in regulation. The sea of orange in the stands looks comfortable, but the Stanford supporters are not giving up yet -- and neither is the Cardinal.
She's Got the Power
Recording artist Sarah Lenore returned at the half to sing "The Power of the Dream", NCAA women's basketball's new anthem in front of the fans for the first time. The fans loved it as she earned a huge round of applause during the mini-concert.
Lady Vols Sitting Pretty
Tennessee looked in control for most of the first half, and leads 37-29 entering the break. The Lady Vols would have led by double-digits, but junior Jillian Harmon hit a three-pointer as time ran out, giving the Cardinal a little confidence boost as the teams went into the lockerroom.
Considering Stanford averaged 85 points per game in the NCAA Tournament entering the championship game, this is a bit of a low-scoring affair for the Cardinal. But don't count them out yet. They are 4-2 when trailing at the half this season.
Putting the Pressure On
Tennessee has been playing stifling defense over the last few minutes, putting on full court pressure, forcing turnovers and time of possession calls. The Lady Vols look like they've taken the Cardinal out of their game.
The Lady Vols are up by nine, 30-21, with 3:06 left in the first half.
Stretching it out
Shots just aren't falling for Stanford with only sophomore Jayne Appe'sl underhanded shot under the basket going in for the Cardinal since the last break. Tennessee has expanded its lead to 17-9 with 11:16 remaining in the first half, but basketball is a game that changes like the wind, something that has been reiterated over the last couple nights in both the men's and women's games.
Off and Running
The energy is a little different tonight, and the game seems much faster paced than either of the two semifinals. Senior guard Shannon Bobbitt has sparked the Lady Vols so far, draining two three-pointers from in front of the Stanford bench. Tennessee leads 12-7 at the first TV timeout.
Let's Play!
The National Anthem has been sung (by country music recording artist Sarah Lenore), the introductions have been made, and the coaches have shaken hands. There's nothing left to do but play! Tip it off!
Lights, Camera, Action
ESPN is minutes from airing its NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Special at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the game coverage of Stanford and Tennessee, beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Former Tennessee player Kara Lawson and Stacey Dales, a former Oklahoma player, join host ESPN Trey Wingo on the pregame special, and halftime show on a studio set up in the stands of the St. Pete Times Forum.
Get ready to watch!
Trey Wingo prepares for the big night.
Lights, camera, action!
Women's Basketball Has Arrived
NCAA President Myles Brand addressed the media alongside Vice President of Division I Women's Basketball Sue Donohoe, and Division I Women's Basketball Committee chair Judy Southard late this afternoon after he flew to Tampa earlier today after handing out the NCAA Championship trophy to Kansas at the Men's Final Four in San Antonio last night.
Brand said that women's basketball "has arrived but not yet peaked", and noted its growth in fan attendance and quality of players. There was a 22 percent rise in NCAA Tournament first-round attendance from last year, and first-round viewership on ESPN rose 35 percent.
The NCAA is reaching out to schools and conferences with initiatives like "Pack the House" -- 70 schools broke single-game attendance records last season. The association also recently unveiled its' Division I Women's Basketball Grant Program that will give assistance of $3 million over the next three years with 12 schools and five conferences receiving $750,000 this year to grow the sport at the grass roots level.
There's quite a lot happening in collegiate women's basketball, but the sport has remained fan and family-friendly, and an affordable way to see great athletes play.
I can't believe the season will end tonight. It seems like it just started, but there's less than four hours to tip-off of the national title game between Stanford and Tennessee. Can't wait!
Morning Buzz
While enjoying my avocado omlette and Diet Coke this morning, I wanted to check out what the local media thinks about tonight's game, so I picked up the complimentary Tampa Tribune outside my hotel door before heading out to eat. The paper has done a great job covering the Women's Final Four this weekend with special sections, and breaking down the teams and game for the average fan. This morning's headline was ICE vs. ACE: Stanford's Candice Wiggins Faces Tennessee's Candace Parker With A Title On The Line. If you want to check it out online, click here.
That's how most folks are hyping tonight's national championship game between the Cardinal and Lady Vols, but I believe it will come down to the play of their respective Supporting Casts like I shared in a feature yesterday on NCAA.com. Click here to read.
April 07, 2008
Taking a Time Out
On the way to dinner tonight, I stopped to enjoy the live music at Time Out in Tampa. It was a relaxed atmosphere with lots of fans milling around, taking a breather from last night's action. I even got a mini-basketball hoop that I can set up in my office at home.
The party will go until 11 p.m., and there was a big screen TV set up for those who want to catch the men's NCAA championship game between Kansas and Memphis, set to tip off in just a few minutes. In fact, I think I'll settle in and check out the game myself.
Touching Third Base
While Tennessee was holding their press conference, Nicky Anosike was wearing a T-shirt with a UT logo that said "Touching Third Base." The reference not to the school's baseball or softball programs, but a motto the team has followed about finishing.
"We all made promises to each other we would touch third base, which basically means you don't make it to the finish line unless you do what's necessary beforehand to be successful at the end. You can't get a home run unless you touch third base, which is what we've been focusing on the whole season."
The Lady Vols' strength and conditioning coach had the shirts made up, and the players wear them to bed every night to remind them to do the little things that count.
State of the Game
Judy Southard, the chair of the Division I Women's Basketball Committee, and Sue Donohoe, Vice President of for Division I Women's Basketball, addressed the media this afternoon about the state of women's basketball, it's growth in participation and attendance, and academic success (81 percent graduation rate). The sport seems to be doing pretty well, but all you had to do was soak in the atmosphere at last night's semifinal games to figure out that fan support and the level of the game is at an all-time high.
Ice Cream Social
Stanford has a rich tradition, and lengthy list of top alumni. On Saturday, the Cardinal had an ice cream social with about 12 of the former players. The veterans talked with the current team, giving them words of wisdom, support and advice. Jennifer Azzi, who won a NCAA title with the Cardinal in 1990, was one of the greats at the gathering. Rosalyn Gold-Onwude relayed what Azzi had to share with the players.
"She said we're part of the Stanford family, tradition. It's not something that we have to feel we have to -- like something looming over us, rather it's something that should be with us, beside us and that we are all together."
Great advice from the former star! Plus, a great excuse to eat ice cream!
Telling Stories
Stanford sophomore Rosalyn Gold-Onwude enjoyed her breakout room session, holding court with stories of her home recruiting visit by head coach Tara VanDerveer. At the time, VanDerveer was beginning to learn how to play the piano, and knew that Rosalyn was a skilled musician. Rosalyn, a native of Queens, N.Y., had not been practicing in a while, but when Tara sent her sheet music so the pair could do a duet, she started working on the piece immediately.
"I am probably the only player to ever have to (play a duet with Tara)," said Rosalyn. "I've been working hard from the start for Tara. We actually had to start over a few times because Tara messed up a few times."
It's a New Day
There may not be any games going on today, but you wouldn't know it by the buzz inside the St. Pete Times Forum this morning. Hundreds of media members are waiting for this empty dais to fill up with Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer, and the Cardinal players. How do they feel about playing defending NCAA champion Tennessee?? I guess we'll find out shortly.
Coaches and players are certainly not done for the day after this -- there's more interviews -- ESPN and Westwood One Radio get to take turns, while the players will spend 30 minutes in their own individual rooms answering questions.
April 06, 2008
Miracles Do Happen
Tennessee senior guard Alexis Hornbuckle couldn't make a shot all night, until it really mattered. The Lady Vols trailed 46-45 for the first time all night after LSU's Erica White sunk two free throws with just 7.1 seconds left in the game. Hornbuckle was 1-for-7 until tipping in the game-winning shot following a missed lay-up by Nicky Anosike.
"It was frustrating, but I was not going to give up on myself and my team," said Hornbuckle. "It's bigger than that when you're at the Final Four." UT head coach Pat Summitt looked up at the clock when she saw Hornbuckle going for the shot, and "next thing I know, it's going in." The Lady Vols won the game, 47-46.
Tennessee fans went crazy as did the players -- they jumped in each other's arms and then Shannon Bobbitt and Alberta Auguste danced in center court. Tennessee will be looking for its second straight title when it faces Stanford on Tuesday.
Jumping for joy!
Dancing queens.
As LSU head coach Van Chancellor said, "It's a tough way to lose a basketball game." The Lady Tigers have fallen short in five consecutive NCAA semifinal appearances.
It's after midnight and time to head back to the hotel now. Hopefully, the rain has stopped outside, but no matter what the weather is, it will be sunny skies for Stanford and Tennessee, and their fans. What a great night!
He'll be watching
Although the UConn Huskies will not be playing Tuesday night, head coach Geno Auriemma will be staying in Tampa for the championship game as a member of the WBCA Board of Directors. Even though he says it's extremley tough to lose in the last weekend of the year, he would be watching the Stanford team knocked his Huskies out, even if he didn't have to be in attendance. "It's part of who you are. It's part of what you do. It's our game."
With seven minutes left in regulation, it's too close to call as Tennessee and LSU are tied, 39-39. After being down 10 points, the Lady Tigers have gone on a 12-2 run, making this one a nail-biter.
A Low Point
Tennessee leads LSU 22-18 at halftime, the least both teams have scored in the first half of any game this season. UT's lowest 1st half total was 25 points against LSU on March 9, while the Lady Tigers' low-point was 21 against Vanderbilt.
It may have been a defensive battle, but the stars still shined. Sylvia Fowles led the Tigers with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Candace Parker paced the Lady Vols with 8 points and nine rebounds.
A Defensive Affair
After combining for just five points in the seven and a half minutes of the game, and including a five-minute stretch without a basket, it looks like we're going to have a defensive game between LSU and Tennessee in the second semifinal. Tennessee finally reached double-figures with 10:33 remaining in the first half, and with the Lady Vols leading 19-11 at the 3:25 mark, it's not looking like either team will break the 25-point plateau.
UT fans do not look discouraged, and still clapped along to a rousing rendition of "Rocky Top" led by Smokey the Dog.
Worth the Wait
Stanford earned a berth in Tuesday's NCAA title game, and will vie for their third NCAA championship. Stanford also won national titles under head coach Tara VanDerveer in 1990 against Auburn and 1992 versus Western Kentucky, and is 2-0 in NCAA championship final games. The Cardinal will face the winner of LSU-Tennessee on April 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
With a game-high 25 points from Wade Trophy winner Candice Wiggins, Stanford's 11-year hiatus from the Women's Final Four was worth the wait. VanDerveer motioned to the Stanford fans across the arena as she was walking off the court as if to thank them for hanging in there with her and the program.
It was a great first game, and with two Southeastern Conference rivals coming up next, the second one could be even better.
VanDerveer waves to the Cardinal's loyal supporters.
Stretching it out
After UConn cut Stanford's lead to one with about 14 minutes left in the half, senior Candice Wiggins went into overdrive, nailing back-to-back three-pointers and grabbing a defensive rebound to set up another Cardinal basket by Kayla Pedersen. UConn called a timeout with 11:45 left in regulation to try to stop Stanford's 8-0 run -- the Cardinal leads 55-46, their biggest advantage of the game.
Hustling to the Half
Stanford leads UConn at halftime, 40-33, which is historically a good sign for the Cardinal. Stanford is 29-0 when leading at the half this season. They have scrapped and fought for every shot and rebound, and their effort has paid off so far, but I wouldn't count out Connecticut yet -- the Huskies have only lost one game (to Rutgers) the whole year.
Freshman forwad Kayla Pedersen leads the Cardinal with a game-high 10 points, while senior Candice Wiggins follows with nine. UConn's Tina Charles paces the Huskies with seven.
Cardinal Rule
The teams are on the court, and most of the fans have arrived, and the National Anthem has been played by Stanford's (wacky) pep band.
The Cardinal makes an entrance.
I'm sitting courtside right in front of the Stanford cheerleaders. I'm guessing I will know all their cheers by heart at the end of the first game. Player introductions are over and we're ready to tip ... finally! Let's play some ball!
My courtside view.
Gearing Up!
With just minutes until tip-off of the first NCAA semifinal contest between Stanford and UConn (7 p.m. ET), fans are scoping out souvineers at booths set up all over the St. Pete Times Forum.
It doesn't matter which team you are rooting for -- there's something for everyone. T-shirts and hats are always fan favorites, but Mardi Gras beads are also big hit this year. Practically everyone in the arena is wearing their team colors, and there is an awful lot of orange in the stands, considering Stanford and UConn are playing the first game.
Ready to Go!
The first fans have arrived, and the video board is lit up and Women's Final Four chair covers are in every seat. Both teams are in the building -- I walked in at the as Stanford (in the pouring rain). Stanford head coach Tara VanDeveer and UConn's Geno Auriemma have already gotten their ESPN pre-game interviews in the can, so it looks like we're almost ready to tip off.
Also, if you see some water on the court during tonight's game, it might not player perspiration. It could be rain! Looks like the roof is leaking a little, but the Forum facilities folks look like they're on the case -- they have a BIG roll of paper towels. Maybe Mother Nature will give us a break -- this is supposed to be an inside game!
Thunder Rolls
The storm clouds have rolled in and thunder and lightning have been ruling the skies for the last couple hours here, so most fans are probably camped out in their hotels or having pre-game festivities at nearby restaurants and gathering places. "Time out in Tampa" -- an area outside the St. Pete Times Forum with live music, food and fun -- might be a little damp this afternoon, but most women's basketball fans are so faithful, that you might just see a lot of school-color-coordiniated ponchos milling around the courtyard.
No worries -- the first semifinal game starts in less than three hours, and it's sure to be dry inside!
Hoop Dreams
I spent the morning checking out NCAA Hoop City at the Tampa Convention Center, a three-day fan-festival for young and old. You can test your shooting skills, watch the PowerADE 3V3 Invitational, check out the Final Four Battle of the Bands, or the AT&T Mascot Challenge. There are clinics and skill challeges for all different types of sports, so if basketball's not your thing, try soccer drills or hitting a baseball or golf ball.
I caught some of the guys on The Hartford US National Wheelchair Basketball Team warming up for their exhibition. One of the players -- Jeff -- asked if I wanted to shoot some hoops, too, but I'll save that embarrassment for my neighbor's driveway.
AT&T's exhibit was very entertaining with all sorts of neat things -- you could test your sports broadcasting skills, how fast you could send a text message or just have a nice photo take with the Naismith Trophy, like these die-hard Tennessee fans below. There was also an autograph booth where different women's basketball greats come to greet fans. Former UConn standout and WNBA player Jennifer Rizzotti was signing autographs and taking snapshots when I checked it out. She is now the head coach at the University of Hartford.
I was getting hungry, so I walked past the St. Pete Times Forum down to Channelside Bay Plaza on the Garrison Channel for a quick bite. It is so close to the arena and has some great fan gathering places, in case you don't have a ticket for the big games. It's also fun to see the big cruise ships docked right next to the Plaza -- they do provide a little shade on another beautiful day here in the Sunshine State.
April 05, 2008
Been There, Done That
Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt looked pretty loose at the Lady Vols' practice session today, but she has been in this situation a more than few times. Summitt has led UT to the Women's Final Four a NCAA-record 18 times, winning seven titles, including last year's championship.
Summitt seemed focused, but relaxed while "Rocky Top" played in the background and cheerleaders jumped up and down. The all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history (men's or women's) even stopped off on press row to casually chat with the ESPN commentators and reporters. The Lady Vols face LSU for the third time this season in the NCAA semifinals on Sunday, April 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Home Girls
LSU seniors Sylvia Fowles and Erica White both hail from the Sunshine State, and are happy to cap off their careers in their home state. However, they are having a difficult time fielding all of the ticket requests from family and friends. White, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., said that it's great to be close to home, but "it's also a little bit of a burden. Everyone is calling you and texting you saying, I only need four tickets." White ended up with eight tickets, and her mother, sisters and a couple of uncles will be cheering for the Lady Tigers in the LSU section.
Fowles, who is from Miami, will also have a strong family showing, and is thrilled to be playing in Tampa. "(It feels good) to let people see what you've been doing over the past four years at college while you were away from home."
Sylvia Fowles and Erica White
Practice, practice, practice
Connecticut began the showcase of open team practices with a bang -- bringing out the band and cheerleaders with chants of "Let's Go Huskies" while the players warmed up. Thousands of fans watched players shoot around. It was kind of like a practice for the fans, too, as the crowd was bigger and more active than some real games!
What are they saying?
Stanford kicked off a full day of team press conferences, while Tennessee will be up on the podium shortly. Check out what each team has to say -- a transcript of each one will be posted here as they are completed.
One Trophy So Far
Earlier this morning, Stanford's four-time All-America Candace Wiggins received her first State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year award, awarded annually by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the Wade Coalition. Read more about Wiggins here in a feature about the star player or check out the official release here.
Can I get your John Hancock?
Before getting settled inside for most of the day, I stopped by "Timeout in Tampa" in the courtyard outside the St. Pete Forum. Fans were lining up for team autograph over an hour before Connecticut arrived. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma donned his sunglasses with a trusty Sharpee in hand while he and the Huskies penned hundreds of signatures for the fans.
The crowd gathers outside the St. Pete Times Forum.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma's autograph is a great keepsake for the fans!
Players enjoy the great weather while meeting diehard women's hoops fans.
4Kay Run
The day started early as the WBCA began activities with the 4Kay Run Presented by The Hartford, held in honor of North Carolina State head coach Kay Yow, who is battling breast cancer. Over 800 participants came out for the race, and their full registration fees will by donated directly to the WBCA/Kay Yow Cancer Fund. In addition, NCAA Women's Basketball officials donated over $18,000 to the fund by their movement, "Call for a Cure."
Yow thanked all of the participants with a heartfelt speech on how the event "lifts up the survivors" of breast cancer. The crowd of runners and walkers headed down Channelside Drive for a quick morning run, while Yow road off in a rickshaw driven by ESPN's Debbie Antonelli. The 4Kay Run will be an annual event, and will held next year in St. Louis in conjuction with Women's Final Four activities. I decided to watch the runners, and opted to go find a little breakfast before embarking of the rest of our busy day here in Tampa.
Kay Yow hugs one of the 800 participants.
Let's race!
April 04, 2008
Hunting for Treasure
The four teams arrived in style to the Women's Final Four Salute Dinner, pulling up in a party boat to the Tampa Convention Center. While guests were seated the D.J. on the top deck of the ship staged a dance contest, and rumor has it that Connecticut was the winner -- could that be a sign of things to come??
Players check out what is waiting for them on land.
The Salute was a pirate-themed event as each team paraded off the ship led by a swaggering pirate up to their place in front of the ballroom. The dinner began with a live debut of a new anthem for women's basketball, "The Power of the Dream." The song was written by David Barrett who composed the fan-favorite "One Shining Moment", and was performed by country music record artist Sarah Lenore. ESPN commentators Debbie Antonelli and Beth Mowins provided lively team introductions and interviews as the teams and coaches relaxed and enjoyed the show.
To view the ceremony, Click Here
Who will stake their claim on the ultimate treasure of an NCAA trophy? Only a few more days to find out. If you can't wait, check out the latest on the pinnacle of women's college basketball in the Women's Final Four notebook.
Guests were given a treasure box as a Salute keepsake.
The Finishing Touches
I arrived safely in Tampa this afternoon after a beautiful drive down the I-4 corridor, and before I checked into the hotel, I wanted to check out the venue. There were a handful of fans milling around outside of the St. Pete Times Forum, but preparations were still be made for tomorrow. Workmen were posting the final sign on the outside of the building just a few minutes ago -- you can see the LSU Tigers logo start to take shape.
The tagline under the venue sign -- "And Then There Were Four" -- looks fresh among a design of orange trees, and of course the sun was shining brightly in Tampa, making for a spectacular view of the city today!
April 03, 2008
Road trip!
I usually board a jam-packed plane to cover NCAA events since they're usually nowhere near my home in Tallahassee, Fla., but this year, I'm road-tripping to Tampa! This afternoon, I'm packing up the minivan, putting the kids in their car seats, and then dropping them off at Nana's house on the way to the premier event in women's basketball.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
College athletics has been a love of Amy's since she began working in the University of Maryland sports information office as a freshman in college, sitting in 40 degree weather to keep the official baseball book at Terp games. Amy attended her first trip to the College World Series in 1996 as an asst. sports information director at Florida State, and has since worked national championship football games, Men's and Women's Final Fours, the Div. I Women's Volleyball Championship and Men's Frozen Four. She has served as a writer and editor for NCAA.com since 1999, covering all sports and all divisions.
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