Matchup with Connecticut Provides Unique Opportunity for Hartford

Matchup with Connecticut Provides Unique Opportunity for Hartford

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After a 1-9 start to the season, it would have been hard to find many Hartford fans who thought that this team would be on its way back to the NCAA Tournament. However, an incredibly difficult nonconference schedule united this young and inexperienced team, while also providing experience that would pay off once America East play started. Instead of using their youth as an excuse, the Hawks rallied to win 11 of their last 12 games, including a victory at Boston University in the America East Championship title game.

As has been the case since head coach Jennifer Rizzotti took over the program, Hartford achieved success through excellent team defense and balance on the offensive end. Over the course of the season, 10 players averaged over 10 minutes per game. While part of this was due to a rash of injuries that hit the Hawks early in the season, it also is a demonstration of the remarkable depth and talent that this program has.

The NCAA Tournament matchup with intra-state rival No. 1 Connecticut possesses lots of intrigue, as Rizzotti put together a remarkable playing career for head coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies. This game will mark the return of Rizzotti to Gampel Pavilion, where she earned the Associated Press National Player of the Year as a senior and helped lead the Huskies to the 1995 National Championship. This video includes an interview with Rizzotti, as she discusses earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament and what it will be like to face her alma mater on Sunday.