TITLE: Congratulating the Rice University women's basketball team on winning the 2021 Women's National Invitation Tournament.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Rice University women's basketball team on winning the 2021 Women's National Invitation Tournament.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Rice University women's basketball team brought the 2020-2021 season to a triumphant close by winning the Women's National Invitation Tournament on March 28 in Collierville, Tennessee; and WHEREAS, After enjoying a stellar regular season in which they compiled an 18-4 record and claimed the Conference USA regular-season crown, the Owls opened the WNIT with a victory over Arizona State; they went on to vanquish Fresno State and California Baptist University to set up a semifinal matchup against the University of Delaware; in the wake of a blistering 29-to-12 run to finish out the first half, Rice never looked back, advancing to the title game by the final score of 85-75; and WHEREAS, Squaring off in the finale against the University of Mississippi, Rice trailed only once early in the game and led by as many as 16 points; walking away with a resounding 71-58 victory, the Owls claimed the school's first WNIT title; they also became the first member of Conference USA to win the tournament; and WHEREAS, Rice was led by the tournament's Most Valuable Player, senior center Nancy Mulkey, and she was joined on the All-Tournament Team by sophomore forward Lauren Schwartz; the Owls also received valuable contributions throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Ashlee Austin, India Bellamy, Maya Bokunewicz, Katelyn Crosthwait, Destiny Jackson, Arianna McCurry, Jasmine Smith, Haylee Swayze, and Sydne Wiggins; these dedicated student-athletes were guided by head coach Tina Langley and assistant coaches Latara King, Steven Asher, and Nolan Wilson; and WHEREAS, The triumphant performance by the Rice University Owls in the WNIT, beating all five teams by double digits, has been proudly celebrated by their many fans across the Lone Star State, and the team may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Rice University women's basketball team on winning the 2021 Women's National Invitation Tournament and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Owls as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. A. Johnson of Harris Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1033 was adopted by the House on May 14, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House