This is the first national title game for each, but McGraw coached her team to a 2-1 record over Big East foe, defending national champion and No. Connecticut and Geno Auriemma this season. Cooper and Douglas saw significant playing time in the 1999 title game. Notre Dame has never played for a national title, but after its 16-point comeback over UConn, its confidence is high. And having spent several weeks as the No. 1 team in the nation, the Irish have dealt with teams gunning for them.
Most coaches agree, however, there's no substitute in big games for experience.
St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.