As she walked toward a news conference, she stopped to watch Tennessee coach Pat Summitt putting her Lady Vols through practice. Never mind that No. 16 seed Austin Peay plays the top-seeded Lady Vols Friday night in the opening round of the NCAA Mideast Regional. I've always loved watching them. I've always been a fan of theirs. Large blue banners mark each of Tennessee's six national championships on one end.
Orange seats stretch from the floor almost to the rafters, and the color rings the court.
Add in the 16,565 fans, and the atmosphere can unnerve newcomers. But Austin Peay, winless against Tennessee in four tries, may have a secret weapon. Assistant coach Rochone Dilligard played for the Lady Vols from 1991-94. When she tells the Lady Governors they can score and rebound just like Tennessee, senior Jocelyn Duke said it adds to their confidence. Coach Susie Gardner also brings her own experience.