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Even though the Lady Vols were the defending champions, most of the so-called experts were picking Stanford. They all loved scoring machine Candice Wiggins, and it appeared Parker's tank was empty.
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Someone doubted Tennessee? This fact was not lost on Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, who brought it up to her team for motivation. "We like going in as the underdog and coming out as the top dog," she said.
4. Refrain from any selfishness or non-teamlike behavior.
On Monday, UT's Alberta Auguste said she would do whatever was necessary to stop Wiggins. "If she goes to the restroom, I'll follow her in the restroom," Auguste vowed.
Auguste didn't follow Wiggins into the locker room but harassed her into an off night: only 14 points and six turnovers.
"My job was to stop Candice Wiggins tonight," Auguste said. "And that's what I did."
5. Put the success of the team before any personal agendas or goals I may have.
Trailing LSU on Sunday by one point with seven seconds left, Parker raced up the court. A selfish player, playing possibly the final game of her college career, would have forced a bad shot.
Not Parker. She dished to Anosike, who misfired, but Hornbuckle put in the rebound.
6. Do any & everything in my power to ensure that the Lady Vols become the 2008 National Champions!!!
After playing the past 2½ games with a twice dislocated left shoulder, Parker walked off a college court for the final time with 1:01 remaining. Parker felt no pain as she reached the bench.
She stopped and hugged every coach, every teammate, every manager and especially trainer Jenny Moshak, who worked miracles on Parker's shoulder.
When the final horn sounded, sophomore Cait McMahan jumped into Parker's arms. The teammates turned around and folded their arms as Parker shouted "back to back, baby."
That's right: back to back, baby. Tennessee had the best player and the best team -- again.
And the best coach.
After every player and assistant made the traditional climb up the ladder, Summitt reached the top of the ladder to cut down the net for a record eighth time at an NCAA final.
It actually took Summitt a few seconds to cut the final two strands -- the net gave Summitt more trouble than Stanford. Summitt finally waved the net above her head and blew a kiss to the delirious Tennessee fans, documenting every move.
7. Crush anyone who is brave enough to stand in the way of our championship!
As the Lady Vols walked off the court, having completing their championship commandments, one UT fan remained in the Forum taking pictures of anything in Orange with one hand and holding up her homemade sign in the other.
It read: "On the 8th day, God said, "Let it be #8 for Pat & the Lady Vols. Next year is #9. Go Vols."
Amen.
