2013 NCAA Woman's Basketball Tournament

I purchased tickets to the Round 1 and 2 games of the 2013 NCAA Woman's Basketball Tournament http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-women/d1 in early February, while it was still not certain that the Lady Raiders of Texas Tech would be in Round 1.  The tournament rounds 1 and 2 were being played in at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech was hosting Round 1 and 2 of the tournament, and I wanted to support women's basketball.  I was glad I purchased tickets, because by the end of the season, it was obvious that the Lady Raiders would participate in Round 1.

I will say, a few years ago, Texas Tech hosted Round 1 and 2, when Texas Tech was obviously not going to be in the tournament, and I attended those games, and was glad I did.  I was glad to be a part of the small crowd that supported women's basketball.  What amazes me, is that while attendance in Lubbock has drastically dwindled since the Marsha Sharp Era, our attendance is still very good, compared to many other markets in the sport. Which is why we get to host the early rounds of the tournaments.

So, when the Lady Raiders played against the University of Southern Florida, I was delighted to see a very large crowd.  However, the Lady Raiders lost.  Theirs was the second game of the day, the first being California against Fresno State.  California won.

The second round saw California win against the University of Southern Florida. I attended that game. The crowd was small but appreciative.  

I did not think I was really interested in the rest of the tournament, but surprise, surprise, I was pleased to watch California progress through the tournament.  I did not watch all of the California games, but I watched some.

By happenstance, I turned the TV to the Louisville vs. Baylor game as it was in the last 5 or so minutes.  I was flabbergasted, and sorry I did not watch the entire game. But I was delighted to see Louisville beat Baylor. Wow!

So, since then, I have been paying more attention to the tournament.  Tonight, an Elite Eight game is being played between Louisville and Tennessee. The other final four contestants are California, Notre Dame, and Connecticut.

So, where do my loyalties lie:  I am from New England, and I could justify a loyalty to Connecticut.  I was raised Catholic, so I could justify a loyalty to Notre Dame.  Since I have followed California from Round 1, I can justify following through with them.  I will have to see who wins between Louisville and Tennessee.  I can justify cheering for each team:  Louisville, because they beat the seemingly invincible Baylor.  Tennessee, for sentimental reasons, because Holly Warlick is now the coach, succeeding the amazing Pat Summit who had to retire due to Alzheimer's Disease.

We shall see who are in the Final Four.