TAMPA, Fla. — The Women's Final Four has it all.
- Women's Final Four taking place later this week at Amalie Arena
- NCAA Women's Final Four: Daily Schedule and Event List
- Volunteers needed: Click here to register to volunteer
- Click here to buy tickets to one or all of the games
A legend. A defending champ. A two-time champ. And a newbie.
Any usual women's Final Four starts with UConn and sure enough, the Huskies are here for a record 12th straight time.
It’s not a Final Four without Coach Geno Auriemma but UConn’s having a down year by their standards. The 35-2 Huskies lost two games in a regular season for the first time since 2012.
"The game has never been more competitive, I think," Auriemma said. "When people ask me about going to a Final Four for 12 years, stop asking me because I don't have words to describe this. It's not normal. It's bizarre. I know how hard it is.
"These teams that go there every year prove how hard it is."
While UConn extended a streak, Baylor ended one. The Lady Bears Final Four drought dated back to 2012 when they won their second title by capping off a perfect season.
The program Baylor beat for their second title? Notre Dame, the defending national champs.
"I think going into this one it’s different," said Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw. "I think we're looking at it just as it is: This year, new season, new team, see how far we can go."
From the perennial powerhouses to the first timers, Oregon makes its Women’s Final Four debut in Tampa. The Ducks upset No. 1 seed Mississippi State to advance.
So if you’re looking for a underdog, Oregon’s your team.
The field is set. Bring on the Final Four.