The D-II finalists come home.

Champions Northern Kentucky enjoyed the glory:

Family, friends and young athletes swarmed around the team long after the pep rally ended, as fans collected autographs, had photos taken with players and the team gave interviews for television. [Coach] Winstel said her team had so much fun that some other teams probably considered them unfocused. After all, the Norse visited fifth-graders at nearby Glenwood Elementary School, and had the students dancing and learning cheers.

But when the team took the court, "We were one," she said.

South Dakota fans showed love to their heroes:

[Coach] Lavin thanked the crowd for their support during the school-record season that saw the Coyotes finish 33-2 and win 30 straight games."Last night, I don't think I could find the words for that atmosphere," said Lavin, who coached his final game Saturday. "I know as a team and as coaches, we feel like we let everybody down.

"Quite frankly, these young ladies, took all of us for one hell of a ride and probably the most fun we've had around here in a while."