In a landslide victory Monday night against the University of Connecticut, the Lady Tigers earned the right to play in their fourth consecutive Final Four. The team moved one step closer in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament to a national title. And the hard work the players have exhibited all year was evident in their 73-50 defeat of UConn. The team continues to compete on an outstanding level despite recent incidents bringing national attention to the Lady Tigers. When former head coach Pokey Chatman resigned after allegations of inappropriate conduct with a former player, some doubted if the team would continue to succeed. The team’s excellent playing and determination should be applauded. The players stepped up their game to a new level, recording 39 rebounds, seven shots blocked and shooting 48 percent from the field Monday. Standout junior center Sylvia Fowles had a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Junior forward Ashley Thomas, junior guard Erica White and freshman guard Allison Hightower all had double-digit points. The women have proven their staying power by earning the right to play in a fourth consecutive Final Four. The bragging rights that come with appearing in a fourth consecutive Final Four are shared by an elite few. UConn owns the record with five consecutive Final Four appearances. Tennessee boasts three stints of four consecutive appearances, and Louisiana Tech is the only other team with four consecutive visits. The magnitude of the record-setting accomplishment positions the Lady Tiger basketball team as a national standout. The coaching staff should also be commended for this accomplishment. The skills needed to perform at such a high level were not earned overnight, and it was through rigorous leadership and training that the players reached national caliber. Acting head coach Bob Starkey should take a bow for his ability to lead the team during difficult times. When the Lady Tigers take the court Sunday night against Rutgers University, the cheers in Cleveland and Baton Rouge should resonate across the University community. The accomplishments of the team are monumental and should not go unnoticed. Well done, Lady Tigers. You earned it.
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