The Terps had quite a run this season. Truth be told, after those early losses at TCU and Pitt, how many fans thought that Maryland would go on to be undefeated at home, share the regular season ACC title, win the ACC Tournament, and play in the Elite Eight? Not many.
But this team continued to surprise . . . giving all of us a great deal of fun, excitement, and, yes, joy. Unfortunately, tonight, the great run ended in Raleigh, as the Louisville Cardinals simply outplayed the Terps, winning 77-60.
And, even more unfortunately, tonight's loss ended an incredible era of Maryland basketball, as the last remaining players from the 2006 National Championship team played their final game in Maryland uniforms. Both Kristi and Marissa left the court in tears. Marissa literally collapsed in Coach B's arms. For those of us in the arena, it just broke our hearts to see these two remarkable young women sobbing on the bench. Thankfully, though, this will not be the end of basketball for Kristi and Marissa, as they will both, most certainly, be playing in the WNBA this summer.
Another player we'll also be seeing in the WNBA very shortly, Angel McCoughtry, tonight led her Cardinals to their first Final Four appearance. We congratulate her, her teammates, and Coach Jeff Walz for the outstanding game they played . . . tonight, they were definitely the better team. Good luck to the Cards in St. Louis.
But above all, Thank you Terps! Thank you Kristi! Thank you Marissa! Thank you Coach B and the entire coaching staff! It's been a helluva run! (And we're already looking forward to next season.)
Photo Credit: DC BasketCases
* * * * * * *
Media links: Camille Powell, Washington Post, here; Mike Wise, Washington Post, here; Mike Fratto, Washington Times, here; Mechelle Voepel, ESPN.com, here; Rick Maese, Baltimore Sun, here; Neil Amato, The News & Observer, here; Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal, here; and Eric Crawford, Courier-Journal, here.
posted by BasketCases @ 10:48 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
My hat is off to the entire team, especially Kristi and Marissa. Ladies, keep your heads up. I know you're both destined for even more greatness. It was a pleasure watching you both grow up on and off the court at College Park. History should show that you're not only the best women hoopsters to play at Maryland, but the best basketball players period! God bless and thank you!
Thanks Marissa & KT. We've been so fortunate to have had you at Maryland.....
Man! There are some harsh reader comments underneath Mike Wise's column! I hope the Terp players steer clear of them, because they are toxic and vindictive -- about the players and about Brenda. Wow.
I'll bet that was a long, quiet bus ride back to College Park. :(
Eager to see how the WNBA draft goes, though! Hope the Mystics keep one of our young stars close to home.
You aren't kidding about those posters - I wonder how many are: a) alums or b) season ticketholders. I am both and can tell you I feel 100% different about these fine young ladies and our great coach. I am 100% behind them and her and I am grateful for all the good basketball she's brought our way.
The women's basketball program at Maryland should hold it's head up high. I'm so proud of our team.
As a season ticket holder and avid bball fan in general I have nothing but positives to say about Brenda, her staff, and our players. This team has class.
I've seen what negatives can do to a program and this team's consistent growth and success are proof that they are on the right track. I can't wait to see what the future holds and will be there to watch it all.
Thank you Terrapins! Thank you Basketcases!
-Rua
Marissa and Kristi are going to go on and do great things in their lives. They need to keep their heads up. I know that they are hurting right now, but what they have done not just for Maryland Women's Basketball, but for Women's Basketball. Young girls aspire to be like them just like they aspired to be players like Sue Bird and Lisa Leslee. I know it is hard, but they cannot be sad that it is over, they have to be happy that is happened. They have made this Maryland program a national contender and no one is dissapointed in what they have done!
do you know where we can see the post game press conference??
text of post-game press conference
http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/sports/basketball/louisville-maryland-women-basketball-postgame-press-conference-90331.shtml
I have heard great things about Dara Taylor, who's coming in next year. Then next year it's Alyssa Thomas?
These two will help lead us back to the Final Four, mark my word.
How blessed we have been to be able to watch these lovely young women for the last four years. They have always been gracious and available to us as fans and Rebounders, and have given us so very much! They will forever be in our hearts.
Amen to all those who sing the praises of our incredible team. They have provided me with a million memorable moments and are my favorite team I've ever followed. The kids that have come through the past 5 years or so have been incredible people in so many regards and built something amazing. I literally feel like I love each and everyone of them, as well as the entire staff. They worked incredibly hard to build what we have. I say "thanks" to each and every one of them for all the sacrifices and becoming my heroes.
Post a Comment
<< Home