The trophy
Coach Close gets the wood-ware and holds it up high as even MORE confetti falls! Lauren Betts, who has struggled with depression in her life, is named the most outstanding player of the tournament. She’s emotional as she tells the crowd that she told her mother that she was put on this earth to do more than score points, but to use this platform to help lives. She’s an incredible story.
And so are the Bruins, who put on a stunning, complete performance in their victory over South Carolina.
From all of us here at The Guardian, thanks for following along with us. Wherever you are, good morning, good afternoon and goodnight.
Updated
Post-game
You have to feel good for UCLA head coach Cori Close, who is speaking to ABC TV in the US. She hugs her mom and says it’s “beyond my wildest dreams…it’s all about the heart…I am just so confident in their character and that’s what determined the way they played today.”
The band plays, the confetti falls. Jaquez is the star of this game – she was everywhere. She says “she imagined this moment and I am just so so proud…oh my gosh, I’m just so happy.”
And why not, she played the game of her life on the biggest stage.
