UConn vs South Carolina: First Time Clash Since 2013

0:00It's April 4th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Hartford News Today, local news powered by AI. The Women's Final Four is stacked with all number one seeds, and the spotlight hits Yukon vs. South Carolina, and Friday's opener at 7 p.m. on. ESPN. UCLA and Texas follow at 9.30 p.m. These top programs were always headed here, but this marks the first time the Huskies and Gamecocks clash without a regular season warm-up since 2. 2013-14. Coach's Don Staley and Geno Aurema share Philly Roots in a fierce history, facing off 16 times with Aurema holding an 11-5 edge. They've met in big tournament spots before, like National Title Games in 2022 and 2025, plus a regional final. Yet this semi-final feels fresh since Neither Squad has recent film on the other. Staley calls it intriguing, without prior scouting, letting the game unfold raw on the court. Saying the unknown adds real edge, no-pass wins or losses to lean on, just pure uncertainty

1:03that amps up the stakes. Players keep it real, too. South Carolina's Raven Johnson stresses readiness no matter the stage, while Yukon's Aussie Fudd treats it like any massive match-up, full focus on, scouting and execution, respecting the powerhouse opponent. Staley tips her hat to Yukon's gold standard over decades, crediting them for pushing everyone higher, including her game cocks with three titles in. Her 18 years, as these Titans tip off, expect fireworks that redefine the bracket's peak.