Virginia Stuns Iowa in OT Thriller to Reach Sweet 16!

Virginia Stuns Iowa in OT Thriller to Reach Sweet 16!

The Virginia Cavaliers are dancing their way to the Sweet 16! In a stunning upset, the 10th-seeded Cavaliers took down the 2nd-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes in double overtime, winning 71-69.

This historic victory marks the first time a First Four team has ever reached the Sweet 16 in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers showed incredible heart and determination to pull off this incredible feat.

Clark Leads the Charge in Epic Upset

Senior guard Paris Clark was the driving force behind Virginia’s monumental win. She poured in 20 points, stepping up in a huge way during the crucial overtime periods.

Clark played a staggering 42 minutes of the 50-minute game, showcasing her endurance and commitment. Her performance was a key factor in Virginia’s ability to overcome a higher-ranked opponent.

Camora Johnson, a hometown hero from Charlottesville, also delivered a massive performance with 28 points. Johnson, who was a ball girl for Virginia games growing up, felt the weight of representing her community. The connection between these players and their city was a powerful motivator throughout the game.

A “Cinderella Story” Fueled by Family and Trust

Paris Clark expressed overwhelming feelings of gratitude and pride after the game. “We just came into March trying to prove why we belong to be here,” Clark said.

“Even with just making a playing game, we’re going to Sweet 16. So it feels amazing.” The team’s journey from the First Four to the Sweet 16 truly embodies the spirit of a Cinderella story.

“Our coaches have been so supportive. They have their full trust in us and they believe in us to just come in to every game and and be the best we can be.” – Paris Clark

Clark highlighted the incredible support system at Virginia. The coaches, fans, band, and cheerleaders have all played a vital role in rallying around the team.

This strong sense of family extends from the players to the entire UVA community. The team celebrated their victory with high spirits, as seen in their locker room celebrations and social media posts.

Vision and Belief Pave the Way

Coach Mox’s vision for the program has been a guiding force for Clark and her teammates. “This right here is literally what we came for,” Clark explained. “We’ve had our ups and downs.

It took a few years, but we saw what Virginia can be. We saw how we can put UVA back on the map.” This shared vision fueled their relentless effort over the years.

Clark and Johnson have been instrumental in rebuilding the Virginia program over the past three seasons. Their dedication and belief that a deep tournament run was possible have finally paid off. The team’s success sends a strong message that they belong among the nation’s elite.

Looking Ahead: Rest and Sacramento Await

When asked about the most memorable post-game message, Clark pointed to a fan’s creative depiction of Johnson in a Cinderella dress. She also emphasized her happiness for Johnson, a local talent achieving this dream for her hometown. The glow of this historic win is undeniable, and Clark is shining bright.

With five ACC teams now in the Sweet 16, Virginia stands tall among them. Clark and her teammates are now focused on getting some much-needed rest before heading to Sacramento for the next round of the tournament. Their journey continues, proving that anything is possible when belief and hard work align.

Source: Paris Clark talks Virginia’s CINDERELLA run in Women’s NCAA Tournament 🏀 | The Wrap-Up (YouTube)