Pitt Women's Basketball makes NCAA Tournament for first time since 2009

Before Suzie McConnell-Serio was hired as Pitt coach, Pitt women's basketball had a very rough stretch. While having never made the tournament herself, one of the clear goals for the program was to get the Lady Panthers back into the NCAA Tournament, and relevant once again. After a pretty incredible turnaround this year from two years ago, the Lady Panthers were invited to the NCAA tournament as a #10 Seed against #7 Chattanooga.

For the seniors Brianna Kiesel and Cora McManus who suffered through probably one of, if not the, worst stretch in Pitt women's basketball their first three years, this has to be a pretty awesome moment for them.

Here's a sneak peek at Tuesday's cover featuring @PittWomensHoops celebrating their NCAA Tournament berth: pic.twitter.com/a8mKpIBJlj

— PittsburghTribSports (@TribSports) March 17, 2015

Brianna Kiesel is one of the best players to ever play for Pitt, and has had a very good year as senior. For her to finally breakthrough to the NCAA Tournament has to be quite the feeling.

The men's side, while having their own struggles, have largely maintained their presence in the NCAA Tournament every year, so it's easy to forget how big a deal it can be for a team to make it there. The reaction of the Lady Panthers at finding out the good news is all you need to see to understand what their program has been through.

Chattanooga will be a very tough game for them, but just getting here is already an accomplishment. If they can pull off the upset to likely face #2 seed Tennessee, it'd be even better. They'll play Saturday, at 11 AM on ESPN 2 if you'd like to check them out.