Sometimes, the hardest game to play is not on the field; it's one that everyone has to play-the waiting game. The Blue Devils found themselves playing this game at head coach Robbie Church's house Monday night, having the fate of their season decided on by the NCAA selection committee.
"To be honest, we were nervous," Church said. "You never know until you see your name on the board."
Fortunately for Duke, it did not have to wait long, as its name was called fairly early alongside that of its opponent, the South Carolina Gamecocks.
"There was a huge shout that came in," Church said. "It was a relief. The girls were just very, very excited."
This marks the Blue Devils' fifth consecutive appearance in the year-end tournament. Duke earned a berth even though its eight wins were fewer than any of the other 63 teams.
"We realize now that everyone is 0-0," Church said. "We have to do some things a little bit better than we have, and if we do that, we have got an opportunity to make some noise."
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