NOTEBOOK

ATLANTA – Kara Lawson and Gwen Jackson thought last night was going to be it.

Instead, Tennessee’s senior duo got only heartbreak, falling short in the Final Four for the third time in four years. While Lawson and Jackson finished with a sterling career record of 125-17, they became just the fifth UT class since 1982 to not win a national title.

“It’s tough,” said Lawson after last night’s 73-68 loss to Connecticut. “Both Gwen and I came to Tennessee to win a championship and that’s hard. But we came a long way this year. I feel blessed I have been a part of it because it’s a great staff with great teammates.”

For Jackson, who’s undergone an emotional month – she lost her grandmother, Laura, to cancer just prior to the Sweet 16 – it was just as painful. She had been playing with a heavy heart, especially since her grandmother had insisted before she died that she skip the funeral and try to win a championship.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” Jackson said. “I love my coaching staff and teammates. I don’t regret my decision to not go to the funeral. This is what I came to college to do.”

Jackson scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds last night. Lawson, an emotional player who is very much the heart and soul of the Vols, scored a team-high 18 points,15 in the second half.

“They have become like two of my daughters,” Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said. “I hurt for them. I love them. They have been awesome and role models for our program.”

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Lawson and Jackson joined UConn’s Diana Taurasi and Ann Strother and Duke’s Alana Beard on All-Final Four team. UConn’s four titles are second all time to Tennessee’s six. Huskies are 4-0 in championship games.