(Associated Press photo)
Kelly Faris played a key role in UConn's win over Notre Dame in the Final Four.

When Caroline Doty and Kelly Faris first suited up for UConn it all seemed so routine as the Huskies methodically rolls to national championship glory.

However, the last couple of years it has been a different story. In each of the last two seasons the championship dreams ended at the hands of rival Notre Dame. For the leaders of the 2012-13 UConn team, there a feeling of elation following Sunday's win over the Fighting Irish in the national semifinals.

Any doubt of how much it meant to the UConn players ended when Faris charged onto the court with as big of a smile as she has ever had while being on a basketball court.

"Usually I am not running out on the court in a semifinal game but the path that this team has taken, I am extremely proud of my team and every individual on this team<' Faris said,."I don't think they understand how proud I am but I am just happy for everybody on the team. I thought about (running onto the court) and perhaps I shouldn't but I thought this is it for me, I want them to know I was excited and I wanted them to feel that and enjoy it."


Faris played 30 minutes and finished with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Doty only played the first three minutes but the win was just as sweet but the focus will quickly turn to the Louisville team the Huskies will be facing in tomorrow night's national championship game.


"It is not over yet, we have one more game and to beat a great Notre Dame team it was a great win but we know it is not over yet and we have one more big game on Tuesday," Doty said.."We have to come out ready to fight, follow his game plan and believe in ourselves."