March 20, 2005

DALLAS, Texas - It was a great night to be a Maverick.

The UTA women's basketball not only made history by becoming the first basketball team to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament, they were the goodwill ambassador the University has so desperately looked for.

So when more than 100 persons poured into a ballroom at the Hotel Adolphus three hours before the tip-off, everyone was fired up and ready to see if the Mavericks could hold their own against one of women's college basketball's best teams over the past two decades - Texas Tech.

"I've got three things to say tonight," said UTA President James Spaniolo. "Remember Bucknell, remember Vermont," referring to the two schools who posted upsets in the men's tournament on Friday, "and tonight remember UTA."

It sent the crowd into a roar, but the biggest cheer came earlier when women's coach Donna Capps entered the doorway. A deafening thunder of clapping came from throughout he room and the pride felt throughout the room was thick like a haze of dew I the morning.

"It is a great day to be a Maverick," Capps exclaimed as the room erupted.

A quick pep talk to the fans by Capps was followed by the fans pouring into the streets where they formed a human tunnel five persons deep at points as the cheerleaders and pep band led cheers.

"Maybe the Pecan Bowl," said former Maverick Club Executive Director Jack Davis said when asked the last time an athletics events had drawn so much interest."

At Reunion Arena, the sea of royal blue poured into one corner of lower level and for 20 minutes, the Mavericks watched as their women stood toe-to-toe with the Lady Raiders.

The City of Crandall made the national spotlight as they supported their hometown coach with a sea of blue behind the south end of the arena.

"We love Donna and we are here to show her our support," said one member of the Tip-Off Club. "We were fans before it was cool (to be a fan)."

While Texas Tech slowly pulled away in the second half, the uprising of Maverick fans will be felt beyond Saturday's game.

"This week has been a great experience," said senior Krsytal Buchanan after the game. "The way the community supported us, the fans, it has been just great. Every girl grows up wanting to play in the NCAA Tournament and for us this week as been great."

And for Maverick fans everywhere, a night to be proud to be a Maverick.