The final scores don't tell the whole story. You had to be there to appreciate the desire and enthusiasm we saw late Friday night in the Tesoro Arena in Anchorage, Alaska. The Lady Huskies faced the Buffalo Saints, with the best record of the week here at National finals - a team that had demolished each opponent with scores which looked more like lopsided basketball.

The Huskies settled into their game with the best teamwork we have witnessed this week. Their sheer physical force, however, was constrained by the refs, leaving a couple of Huskies in the penalty box together on several occasions. Becky Howard (above) faced each of these 5 on 3 attacks with some incredible acrobatics, and along with her nimble teammates turned away each power play bullet.

The Saints had to call on every ounce of skill and experience to squeeze past this hungry Husky team. It was a game we will never forget, with the final score in the Saints favor, 3-1.

We are proud of the whole-hearted effort by the Huskies this week, and wish each of these athletes the best in their respective careers. A special thank-you to all of the Pasty Central friends who supported the team in their effort this year.

We are already looking forward to the Tech Women making it to the National Finals next year, which will be played, no doubt, a lot closer to home. It's pretty hard to find a place more distant from the U.P. than Anchorage, Alaska.

An A+ for effort, huskies. You will always be winners in Yooper hearts.

Good effort girls. Sounds like an awesome tournament. Hope to see you at Nationals again next year!

Good job ladies! Hold your heads high! We are all very proud of you. Now come 'on home and let us heap praises on you.

Good job ladies!!! I've been cheering for you here in Oulu, Finland. I wish I could have been in Alaska, too, at least to see you play.

You are a great team. I had a really good time playing with you two years ago. (Those ladies who can remember me, please email me. I'd like to hear from you.)

Keep up the good work and best of luck for the next season!