Sacred Heart Pioneers - The Road To March Madness

From the Northeast Conference Championship to the NCAA Tournament Field of 64

March 23, 2006

The Pitt Center erupts after a 69-65 win over Quinnipiac in the NEC Championshhip game.

 The SHU Dance Team, Cheerleaders and Pep Band help the 2006 NEC Champions celebrate at midcourt.

 Head Coach Ed Swanson and Amanda Pape visit with Amy Lundy on the MSG Network.
Assistant Coaches Ebony Hollingsworth, Heather Vulin and Jen Curan hold up their championship t-shirts.

 The 2006 Northeast Conference Championship trophy.

 NEC Commisioner Ron Ratner awards Jasmine Walker an All-Tournament Team plaque.
NEC Commisioner Ron Ratner awards Nicolle Rubino an All-Tournament Team plaque.

 NEC Commisioner Ron Ratner awards Amanda Pape the NEC Tournament MVP Award.

 The Pioneers rush to accept the 2006 championship trophy.
SHU's first-ever NEC title.

 The Pioneers pose with their new hardware.

 Head Coach Ed Swanson visits with Jeff Holtz and Gene Gumbs, live on the air following the win.
Senior Nicolle Rubino cuts down the nets.

 Pape snips a piece for herself.

 The Pioneers gather to watch Selection Monday.
The final scoreboard from the NEC title game at the Selection Show pep rally.

 The Pioneers wait to hear their name called among the field of 64.

 SHU is the last pairing announced as they learn who their first round opponent will be.
The Pioneers are off to Penn State to face the #2 seed Maryland.

 The Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University.

 Welcome to the Big Dance!
The Pioneers have arrived!

 Junior Amanda Pape field question during Saturday's pre-game press conference.

 Head Coach Ed Swanson addresses the media prior to SHU's open practice.
Coach Swanson and Nicolle Rubino in the spotlight.

 The Pioneers entertaining the mass media.

 Amanda Pape on Fox-61 Sports.
Nicolle Rubino shares her thought with Channel 8's John Pierson.

 Coach Swanson meeting the Connecticut Media.

 Final preperations for game day.
The SHU Faithful.

 The Ed Swanson Checklist.

 And the fan bus arrives.
The SHU Pep Band gets the fans going.

 The SHU band is in the house.

 The Pioneer coaching staff getting ready for tip-off.
SHU in their final warm-ups.

 A special hello to the newest Pioneer, Connor Swanson.

 A sea of red and white.
Coach Swanson gives his team their final instructions before facing the Terps.

 Together!

 The ball is tipped...
The SHU Dance Team keeps the crowd entertained at the half.

 Amanda Pape, SHU's new media darling.

 Pape featured on Fox-61 and WTNH 8 Sports.
Coach Swanson and Jasmine Walker in the post game news conference.

 Kerri Burke fields a question from the press corps.

 Amanda Pape is all smiles while greeting the press.
Kerri Burke talks about the NCAA experience.

 Coach Swanson sings the praises of his 26-5 squad.