[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE RUTGERS UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate the Rutgers University women's basketball team for its 
thrilling victory against the University of Connecticut on February 27. 
Before a sold-out crowd of over 8,000 fans, the tenacious Scarlet 
Knights achieved one of college basketball's most coveted titles: Big 
East Conference champions. In the process, Rutgers also became only the 
third team in history to finish its regular season undefeated.
  This victory did not come easily, but the Scarlet Knights came ready 
to play, thirsty to win, and eager to give the Connecticut Huskies a 
run for their money. Despite trailing UConn by 18 points in the first 
half, Rutgers refused to give up. Instead, they regrouped, refueled, 
and used strong defense and solid teamwork to make up the point 
deficit. Led by head coach C. Vivian Stringer and senior standout 
Cappie Pondexter, the Scarlet Knights played a flawless second half 
that capped an outstanding season. By the time the final buzzer rang, 
the Rutgers women had proven that they can compete with any team in the 
Nation. More importantly, after winning their second straight 
conference title, the Scarlet Knights confirmed that hard work, 
perseverance, and desire remain the keys to success.
  With four New Jersey natives on their roster, including Big East 
Defensive Player of the Year Essence Carson, these young women have 
become a source of pride for my home State. Coach Stringer, in 
particular, deserves special recognition for the strong coaching and 
leadership skills she has demonstrated over her 10 years at Rutgers 
University. As one of the most recognized and most respected coaches in 
the game, she was inducted into the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 
2005. I think I speak for both the Scarlet Knights and the Rutgers 
community when I say how pleased I am to have Coach Stringer leading 
this remarkable team.
  Mr. President, on behalf of the entire State of New Jersey, I am 
proud to congratulate the Scarlet Knights once again for their second 
consecutive Big East Conference title. As the Scarlet Knights begins 
this year's NCAA tournament, we hope they are able to maintain the 
momentum that carried them so well through the regular season. We wish 
them the best of luck.

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