OSHKOSH (NBC 26)-After the first time since 1996, the UW-Oshkosh Women’s Basketball Team is heading to the national semi-final round. Titans will face a long day of travel to Salem, Virginia, where they will go to the national second place in Smith College in 2024.
“We have to go to Chicago, fly to Raleigh, and then go by bus to Salem,” said coach Brad Fischer. “I hope that we will be able to feed them in the middle of the day, but they have lacked sleep for the last few days. I am excited that I hope that they will break on the bus and plane.”
Despite the demanding schedule, which began with training at 5:50, the team remains energetic for the coming week.
“It was a bit crazy, a bit chaotic,” said Sarah Hardwick’s older striker. “We came back on Sunday, and then we had to pack and prepare everything to leave today. But emotions are always available, so I don’t mind getting up for early practice.”
Titans will face a well -known opponent in Smith College, a band that knocked them out of last year’s Sweet 16. This loss sent their run to the final four.
“It just left a mark on my heart,” said Kayce Vaile. “I know that everyone approached this loss in the summer and spring and simply worked out their ass to reach this point.”
Fischer confirmed the challenge, but accepted this opportunity with satisfaction.
“To see a familiar face – we know what’s going on, but they also know us,” said Fischer. “We are simply excited that we are there. As I said after the match, if you put southern Carolina or Uconn on the other side, I would be equally excited today. We are ready to play.”
For the third time in the history of the UW-Oshkosh program he reached the last four. From the very beginning, the team believed that they could run this run, and they were joyful to take the court on Thursday evening.
“I can’t express in words how I am excited about this moment, especially for this band,” said Vaile. “We worked so hard to get here. It’s really exciting and we just immerse ourselves at any time we stayed together.”
Hardwick repeated the sentiment.
“Yes, it’s a surreal experience,” she said. “You watch adolescent bands, watch March Madness, and being part is simply surreal.”
On Thursday, the titans will face Smith College at 18:30. There are only two wins from bringing a championship trophy home.
