[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 2007 NCAA DIVISION II WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL 
       CHAMPIONS: THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY OWLS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the pride and excitement that 
I rise today to join our community and the State of Connecticut in 
congratulating this year's NCAA Division II Women's National Basketball 
Champions, the Southern Connecticut State University Owls. Led by coach 
Joe Frager and the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, Kate Lynch, 
the Owls earned the national title after a 61-45 win over previously 
undefeated Florida Gulf Coast--making the victory that much more 
thrilling.
  Unlike the Division I tournament, where teams are seen from coast to 
coast throughout the season and information on the strengths and 
challenges of each team are well documented, the Owls of Southern 
Connecticut State University began their journey with little knowledge 
about any of the opposing teams. They did not waiver from the teamwork 
that brought them to the tournament. Navigating this uncharted 
territory with the trust they built throughout the season and an 
indomitable spirit, the Owls steadily moved through the tournament. 
With four teammates posting double figures in the final game against 
Florida Gulf Coast, the Owls cruised to a blow-out victory and proudly 
brought the championship trophy home, where they were greeted with a 
confetti-strewn welcome.
  The people of Connecticut are tremendously proud of the Owls, who 
have set an example for us all with their teamwork and standard for 
perfection. This victory was a team effort--because of their hard work, 
absolute determination and a commitment to teamwork on and off the 
court, these talented young women have earned the title champions. 
Their outstanding success and unbridled enthusiasm for the game will 
certainly be remembered, serving as an inspiration for future players.
  It is with my heartfelt congratulations that I stand today to honor 
the women of the Southern Connecticut State University basketball team 
on this outstanding victory. They played hard, they played smart, and 
they have made us all proud. Go Owls!

                          ____________________