Unsung players develop into vital contributors

Texas A&M had two players leading their team in the national championship game. The Irish had five.

Notes: McGraw reaches third Final Four

The 2011 season marked the third time Irish coach Muffet McGraw has coached a Notre Dame team to the Final Four. Only seven coaches have made more appearances in the national semifinals. With the exception of senior forward Becca Bruszewski, Notre Dame returns all of its starters next season in the campaign for a fourth appearance.

Getting to the point

Assistant coach Niele Ivey led Notre Dame to a win over Connecticut in the Final Four 10 years ago. Now, point guard Skylar Diggins looks to do the same.

For Irish, all roads lead to UConn

The Irish haven't had the opportunity to perform their historic jig in the Final Four since 10 years ago, when McGraw was coaching Ivey, and the team fought its way to win the National Championship.

Notre Dame will face Connecticut for the fourth time this season, an opportunity it hoped for.

Record-breaking wins, devastating losses mark season

But after an up-and-down season, the Irish are in the Final Four since the first time since 2001. Here's a look at the season that got them there.

Third Final Four adds to McGraw's legacy

No one could have imagined the depths Muffet McGraw would take the Irish program to when she was hired in 1987.

Connecticut: Auriemma builds UConn program unmatched in success

The Connecticut coach has established himself comfortably at the top of the sport.

Stanford: Ogwumike sisters lead strong Cardinal team to Indy

Connecticut and Tennessee may have combined to win 11 of the last 15 national championships, but Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer has built her own powerhouse on the West Coast. Under VanDerveer's remarkable tenure, the Cardinal have won 19 consecutive PAC-10 titles and two NCAA championships.

Texas A&M: Aggies haven't been there, but plan to be

Taking advantage of its eighth NCAA tournament appearance, No. 2-seed Texas A&M stepped up in the clutch Tuesday, as it defeated top-seeded Baylor for the first time in four tries this season and secured a ticket to its first-ever Final Four in Indianapolis.