I spent last weekend immersed in collegiate women’s basketball action at the four-day Big East Conference championship tournament. For the third straight year, the DePaul Blue Demons beat the Marquette Golden Eagles in the championship game.
The weekend featured nine exciting basketball games as the Big East teams battled for an automatic spot in the upcoming NCAA Women’s National Championship tournament. In the end, it came down to the top two seeds.
Like the last two seasons, the tournament was held at Wintrust Arena on Chicago’s near south side. Every day the crowd got bigger and louder, culminating in a large, rowdy one for the championship game. With geographic rivals DePaul and Marquette playing in the title game as predicted, DePaul’s hometown fans were joined by many Wisconsinites, making for a somewhat split but lively crowd.
Lexi Held
Marquette led by a point after one quarter, but DePaul came roaring back in the second quarter to lead 45–33 at the half. DePaul coach Doug Bruno was able to empty his bench in the fourth quarter as DePaul cruised to an 88–73 victory. This gave the fans a chance to give the starters a much-deserved standing ovation as they departed the game while giving the reserves a little championship game time.
Chante Stonewall
Kelly Campbell
DePaul’s sophomore guard Lexi Held was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. DePaul senior co-captains Kelly Campbell and Chante Stonewall were named to the All-Tournament team.
I watched these elite athletes up close from the press table and then joined them on the court for the post-game celebration. I followed the Blue Demons all season at games and practices, seeing how hard they work. It was moving and heartwarming seeing players hugging each other along with family and friends. I was a proud alum as I soaked in the celebration.
Kayla Caudle, Marisa Warren and Hannah Purcell
The Blue Demons celebrated last night, but soon they will be back at practice. The No. 15 nationally ranked Blue Demons need to prepare for the NCAA tournament, which starts March 20 and culminates April 5 with the National Championship in New Orleans.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 29, 20206 Reasons We Can’t Wait to #ComeBacktoTravel to the Florida Keys
At FXExpress Publications, Inc., we can’t wait to #ComeBacktoTravel, and we can’t wait for the travel industry and others to #ComeBacktoGT. Join us over the next several weeks as we entice you with photos from some of the places we’re most excited to visit. Take a visual journey through some of the Florida Keys’ most breathtaking sights with us, just in time for the June 1 reopening.
Sponsored Content
Earn and Redeem with oneworld
oneworld is an alliance of 13 world-leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and connecting you to more than 1,100 destinations around the world.
Daily
May 29, 2020Four Seasons Resort Revamps Reef Club
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa unveiled its newly renovated Reef Club. The Mediterranean eatery offers the warm vibes of the southern coast of Europe, combined with views of the Maldives.
Daily
May 28, 2020European Commission Outlines Plan to Reopen Europe
People need a “chance to get some well-needed rest, relaxation and fresh air.” This is a sentiment we all likely share, as does the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The EC included that phrase when it released its plan to help reopen Europe following the COVID-19 global pandemic. While most EU borders remain closed to international travel until at least mid-June, the EC’s plan starts with inter-Europe travel, and are non-binding recommendations and guidelines. European countries still have the final decision, so travelers are advised to check the restrictions of the countries they plan to visit. According to the EC, “blanket restrictions of free movement are replaced by targeted measures.”
Sponsored Content
Goway Offers Travelers Journey of a Lifetime
Since 1970, Goway Travel has been committed to providing customized travel experiences for world travelers. Few things are better evidence of this commitment than being awarded the 2019 Trazees award for Favorite Tour Operator. Goway Travel heartily thanks the readers of Trazee Travel for this honor and for their confidence in Goway’s work in creating travel memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Daily
May 28, 2020Cruise Line Updates on Cancellations and Rebookings Due to COVID-19
The cruise industry responds to the COVID-19 pandemic with updates on cancellations and rebooking policies. Here’s an update.
What to Expect for L.A. County Beaches
Daily
May 28, 2020Review: The Corner Hotel
eFlyer Reviews
May 27, 2020eFlyer Deals
May 27, 2020Star Clippers Offers Complimentary Hotel Nights on Caribbean Sailings
Star Clippers offers two complimentary hotel nights in Barbados or St. Maarten for Caribbean sailings December 2020–March 2022. For use before or after the cruise, the hotel deal also includes one breakfast and a ship transfer.
Sponsored Content
The Perfect Fit
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses create two-thirds of net new jobs and account for nearly 48 percent of the U.S. private sector workforce. And small- and medium-sized businesses outpace all other sectors as one of the fastest-growing in the United States. InterContinental® Hotels Group (IHG) goes above and beyond to create opportunities for this segment with its IHG® Business Edge program, voted Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program in Global Traveler’s 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey awards.
eFlyer Deals
May 27, 2020Naples Grande Beach Resort, Cheeca Lodge & Spa Debut Reopening Offer
Two Florida hotels boast reopening offers as Florida begins its phased reopening.
ShareThis