For the first time in over 20 years, the Texas Longhorns are in the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament. But there’s a pretty strong argument to make that they have the toughest road of anyone to securing the title.
Texas went 29-2 in the regular season, finishing second in the SEC in their first year in the conference. But despite knocking off Ole Miss and LSU in the SEC Tournament, they were destroyed by South Carolina for the second time this year. Now they have to face the Gamecocks in the Final Four less than a month after losing to them by 19.
But there is reason to believe that Texas can get the job done. They were, after all, one of only three teams all year to beat the Gamecocks in the regular season, upsetting them at the Moody Center in a 66-62 win back in February.
Not many teams in recent memory have been able to beat the Gamecocks twice in one campaign though. So Texas will have to make some history tonight if they want to make more history on Sunday.
Ahead of their upcoming Final Four game against South Carolina tonight, the Texas cheerleading team has gotten some added spotlight. One of the fastest rising stars on the Longhorns cheer team during the tournament has been Kate Rogge.
The senior has seen her Instagram following grow to over 9,300 during the NCAA Tournament thanks to posts like this with her incredible smile.
“Love this kate” one user replied.
“This is so celeb,” wrote another.
“I’ll be rooting for the Longhorns 💯%”
“Beautiful 😍”
Unfortunately for fans, Rogge announced that this will be her last year on the team as she is set to graduate.
“4 years of cheering for @texasfootball 🧡thanks @utexasspirit for the best seat in the house & the time of my life!” she wrote in January after the football season.
Rogge has the chance to be a part of the team that sees the women’s basketball team win their first NCAA title since 1986.
The Texas-South Carolina game begins at 7 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.
Related: Texas Cheerleader Has Everyone’s Attention Before The Peach Bowl