Plus, there's a top-five recruiting class coming in, led by Diana Taurasi, the national player of the year. But next season is too far away for Ralph, the gritty 6-foot junior who underwent reconstructive knee operations less than six months apart in 1997. She then fought back to become an All-American and MVP of the Final Four. We've worked so hard this year, and we're going to enjoy every minute of it. I think we deserve it.
Nothing is certain, of course.
Tennessee's championship in 1998 was the third straight for the Lady Vols and they returned all their key players the following season, yet didn't even get to the Final Four. Still, when the national championship is settled in St. Louis next year, look for Connecticut to be there. Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. Copyright 2001 Associated Press . All rights reserved.