COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Virginia won its first women's NCAA Tournament game in nine years. It's likely reward? Facing the most famous Cavalier player in program history in South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.
Staley, a Hall of Famer, led Virginia three Final Fours and a championship game appearance, her grit and toughness powering the Cavaliers from 1989-92. These Cavs showed some Staley-like determination in holding off No. 7 seed Cal, 68-62, to start the Albany Regional on Friday.
"It's been a long time coming," said Virginia center Felicia Aiyeotan, who led the team with 16 points.
The Cavaliers (19-13) took flight after squandering a seven-point lead in the final seven minutes.