Friday, March 31, 2000
UConn, Tennessee fixed on semis
Women's powers can't reach final unless they win tonight
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — Those who like the stars to remain in alignment might be looking ahead to a Connecticut-Tennessee matchup in the Women's NCAA Tournament championship game. But there are two games to be played before that.
Tennessee (32-3) will play Rutgers (26-7) at 7p.m. in today's semifinals, and Penn State (30-4), making its first trip to the Final Four, will take on top-ranked UConn (34-1) at 9p.m.
“I haven't read too much about the matchups as far as UConn and Tennessee goes,” Lions center Andrea Garner said. “I know we're not going to let them get there easily.”
The Huskies are also staying focused. “We are not looking to that Tennessee matchup yet,” UConn junior Shea Ralph said.
UConn beat Tennessee for the championship in '95 but lost to the Lady Vols in the national semifinals in '96 and the regional final in '97.
Tennessee knows Rutgers is just the next step toward its seventh national title.
“I think we are certainly focused on playing against Rutgers and understanding the challenge that lies ahead of us,” Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt said.
Rutgers coach Vivian Stringer said that while at first her team was just glad to be in the Final Four, now it has a loftier goal.
“I think it was a bit much to expect a national championship in our minds at that time,” she said. “But that will definitely be in our minds now, and it will be our every intention to do just that.”
Final Four Coverage: Men's •
Women's
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