Spring Break
Dogs host NCAA tourney
ARI WEITZ
A little over a week ago, freshman forward Marquita Driskell experienced a fainting spell in practice.
Driskell missed the SEC tournament while tests were taken, and it was feared that she would be unable to return to the team in time for the NCAA tournament.
Thursday, Driskell and the No. 19 Lady Dogs (19-9) finally received the good news their were waiting to hear, as she was cleared to return to practice with the team.
"It's a big relief because sitting at home was no fun at all," said Driskell. "It's weird watching them on TV once I've been used to playing with them."
Driskell's diagnosis could not be specified, but the tests were conducted on her chest area.
"There's nothing wrong with my heart," Driskell said. "That's what my tests were for. It's something that just happens, and it may happen again, but who's to say? The doctors just basically said I'll be fine."
Already having gone one week without playing a game, the Lady Dogs still have another week before the NCAA tournament begins.
While another week will help players like Driskell get back into form, other players like freshman guard Sherill Baker don't like having to wait two weeks in between games.
"I wish we were playing now because I don't like practicing for two weeks straight," said Baker. "But I guess it's just preparing us for the tournament and we have time to get mentally focused."
The Lady Dogs won't find out their first-round opponent until Sunday, when ESPN will host the NCAA Women's Championship Selection Special at 5 p.m.
One thing the Lady Dogs do know is that they will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA women's tournament, scheduled for Saturday, March 22 and Monday, March 24.
The Lady Dogs are a perfect 12-0 this season at home, but aren't automatically placing themselves in the Sweet 16.
"One thing we don't take for granted is the fact that we're undefeated at home," s Driskell said. "We're not going to let anybody come in here and just take away something that we've worked so hard for all season."
