Maryland Women End Season With A Mighty Thud

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver expected to end their spectacular careers at Maryland by cutting down the nets after claiming a second national championship.

Instead, they spent the waning seconds of their final college game slumped on the bench, weeping uncontrollably.

Coleman and Toliver comprise the winningest class in Maryland basketball history, yet both seniors fell three victories short of their ultimate goal. With a trip to the Final Four at stake, the Terrapins lost to Louisville 77-60 Monday night.

"It's unfortunate that it had to come to an end," Toliver said, "especially this way."

During their four-year run, Toliver and Coleman helped Maryland win 126 of 145 games. The Terrapins captured their first NCAA title in 2006, and this season they claimed the Atlantic Coast Conference crown for the first time in 20 years.

All of that will provide Coleman and Toliver fond memories for years to come. But they will also missing the Final Four in each of their final three seasons.

"I think that we've had great moments. And we've had disappointing moments," Toliver said before peeling off her uniform for the last time. "And right now we're in a disappointing moment."

Coleman and Toliver were the only two seniors on a team that won 15 straight before finishing 31-5. Maryland still has plenty of talent left, but it will be extremely difficult to replace the leadership the duo provided over the past four years.

"Obviously from Marissa's end, I am going to miss the emotion and passion that she has always displayed for this team and this program," coach Brenda Frese said. "Kristi, I am going to miss how easily she makes shots."

With Coleman and Toliver leading the way, the Terrapins this season were able to overcome the loss of standouts Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper. The departure of Coleman and Toliver means a few of their unheralded teammates must step up in 2009-10.

The next wave of Terrapins includes junior forward Demauria Liles, who had 12 points and 17 rebounds in Maryland's second-round NCAA tournament game against Utah and a 10-point, 17-rebound effort against Louisville.

Freshman Lynetta Kizer averaged 12 points and seven rebounds per game and was named ACC rookie of the year; sophomore Marah Strickland scored 15 against Louisville; and freshman guard Kim Rodgers contributed 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting in the ACC championship game against Duke.