The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national, and international levels.
By: MADISON MCCARTHY / DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR
LSU Women’s Basketball Takes Home NCAA Title
For the first time in school history LSU Women’s basketball won the NCAA National Championship, defeating the two-seeded Iowa, 102-85. Jasmine Carson led the Tigers to victory with 22 points, followed by teammate Ladazhia Williams with 20 points. Angel Reese was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, contributing 15 points and ten rebounds to the game.
LSU (34-2) scored the most points ever in a Women’s Final Four game, as the Tigers shot 54.3 percent (38 of 70) from the field, including 11-of-17 from three-point range. The 187 combined points was also the most in a Final Four game. This was head coach Kim Mulkey's fourth appearance and fourth championship, with previous wins at Baylor in 2005, 2012, and 2019.
For the Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, the 2023 Player of the Year, led all scorers with 30 points and added eight assists and two rebounds. Clark is a three-time USA Basketball Gold Medalist who brought her star power to the NCAA postseason. In the post-game press conference, she spoke about her influence on women’s basketball;
“I think the biggest thing is it’s really, really special. I don’t think it’s going to set in for me for quite some time. I want my legacy to be the impact that I can have on young kids and the people in the state of Iowa, and I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season.”
MLB Opening Day 2023
MLB opening day met fans and players this March after a thrilling World Baseball Classic and rule changes. The biggest change is the new pitch clock rules that debuted this off-season. The new rule gives pitchers 15 seconds with no runners on base, 20 seconds with runners on, and 30 seconds between batters.
In New York, Aaron Judge picked up right where he left off last season. Judge started his opening day and 2023 season with a standing ovation and a home run on his first swing of the season.
In the American League, Shohei Ohtani shined, throwing six shutout innings, striking out ten, and allowing just two hits. Ohtani also singled and drew an intentional walk, becoming the first player to draw an intentional walk on Opening Day after starting the game as a pitcher since Brooklyn Dodgers’ Dutch Ruether in 1923.
In out-of-game opening day news, retiring St. Louis Cardinals veteran Adam Wainwright sang the national anthem. Wainwright's performance allowed the Cardinals to feature Wainwright on Opening Day as he recovers from a groin strain sustained during the World Baseball Classic.
LIU Women’s Softball Adds Another Conference Win
LIU softball kicked off their April play against Central Connecticut State with an impressive win. They dominated the Blue Devils, securing a 9-0 victory in just five innings.
Lindsey Cowans played a key role in the victory, recording a shutout. Meanwhile, freshman Mari Narvaiz had an outstanding performance, driving in an impressive five runs. Narvaiz went 3-for-3 with three runs scored and a career-high five RBIs, hitting two home runs and a double.
The Sharks' overall record improved to 18-16, with a conference play record of 5-2. The series will conclude with a doubleheader on Monday at 1 p.m. at LIU.
LIU Women’s Water Polo Completes Perfect Weekend
In a clean sweep, LIU Women’s Water Polo emerged victorious against Siena 14-6, Mount St. Mary's 12-3, and Iona 14-9.
Junior Attacker Paola Dominguez scored 11 goals over the weekend, with five coming in the Saturday matchup with Siena College. In the same game, junior Maaike Broersma scored two goals. Broersma was previously named the 2023 NEC swimmer of the meet at conference championships.
The Sharks continued their four-game winning streak moving to 7-1 for this season in conference play. The team travels to Philadelphia to take on St. Francis College and Marist on April 7, 2023.
UConn Men’s Basketball Wins Fifth Title
This year’s March Madness ended with the UConn Huskies taking home their fifth trophy, after battling San Diego State in the Final Four. The Huskies were the No. 4 seed going to the match against the No. 5 seed San Diego State. San Diego State has enjoyed a wild ride in the tournament as they knocked off Florida Atlantic in the Final Four thanks to a buzzer-beater, go-ahead basket. However, the Aztecs came up short, losing 76-59 in Houston.
UConn’s star forward Adama Sanogo was named the Most Outstanding Player finishing the game with 17 points and ten rebounds. Teammate, Tristen Newton, had a double-double with 19 points. For the Aztecs, Keshad Johnson scored 14 points, while teammates Darrion Trammell and Lamont Butler scored 13 apiece.
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