2008 Woodie Awards
MU makes 1st NCAA showing
Dan Kukla
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Front Page
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The team suffered an 81-67 loss to the No. 4 seeded University of Louisville Cardinals in the opening round, but that did not take anything away from the team's terrific season.
"We're excited and just overwhelmed with joy," said senior guard Amanda Jackson. "It just goes to show that hard work pays off. It was very special, especially for me and Laura (Markwood) since we were seniors-it was a nice way to go out."
To get into the national tournament, Miami knocked off Ohio University in the MAC championship game, 67-56. It was the first time the RedHawks ever played in the tournament final. The game also served as a rubber match for the two teams, who split their season series, including an emotional overtime victory for the 'Hawks on Senior Night.
Miami focused on winning the MAC championship and reaching the NCAA tournament from the very outset of the season. Seeing their hard work pay off in the end was a dream come true.
"We all had one goal in mind at the beginning of the season and we accomplished that and more," said junior Jenna Schone. "It's just a great accomplishment for my teammates and I and for the program. You've got to start somewhere and it happened to be the year for us. Hopefully we can continue the tradition."
Schone said that playing in the national tournament was a special experience for her. After a season of ups and downs, it was very gratifying to have it all culminate in such a fantastic finish.
"It was a great experience, one that I've dreamt about ever since I got to college," Schone said. "To actually live it is pretty amazing."
Coming off a magical MAC Tournament, the 'Hawks remained focus on continuing in their winning ways. It was not their intention to merely show up to the NCAA tournament and enjoy being there. Nevertheless, it was important that they fully experienced their moment in the national spotlight and appreciated it for all that it was.
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