(Editor's note: Tennessee senior Kara Lawson will share a diary with ESPN.com throughout the NCAA Tournament.)

March 26, 2003

	Lawson

It has been a great tournament thus far. We advanced past Alabama State and Virginia to put us in the Sweet 16 (vs. Penn State on Saturday).

Our team seems to be gelling at the right time this year. We are having so much fun on the court we just don't want the season to end yet. There are three other teams coming into Knoxville this weekend all intent on going to the Final Four. We will have to play our best basketball of the year to still be playing in Atlanta.

I watched Penn State play yesterday against South Carolina and came away very impressed. I have not seen them play a lot this year, so I did not really have any expectations going into the game, but the Lady Lions are legit. Mazzante's a super player, but she gets a lot of support. They can flat out score. We definitely have to bring our defense.

I had a test this week in my Marketing class. It is so hard for me to concentrate on schoolwork during the NCAA Tournament, but luckily I don't have another test until the second week in April. It was a little weird going to class on Monday and playing that evening. We are used to being on the road during NCAAs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about having home court, though! It is neat to be around campus because everyone keeps wishing us good luck. Although we are at home this weekend, we will be staying in a hotel to give us the tournament feel. We have a team dinner on Friday night and even have itineraries for the weekend.

On a country music note, I'm a little bummed about the concerts coming to Knoxville this summer. I'm graduating in May, so all the studs would decide to come after I graduate. The Dixie Chicks will be here in May. Then in June, my favorite singer, Kenny Chesney, will be at Neyland Stadium. He's coming with Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban and Deana Carter. They are expecting about 90,000-plus for the concert. I will already be on my way when these big acts roll into town, so I'll have to try and at least catch up with Kenny some other time.

My family is not going to be able to make it down for the games this weekend. Some of my high school coaches and other friends will be making the trip.

I will not be able to catch up with you until next week. I hope we will still be alive in the tournament.

K-Law

For more on Lawson and Tennessee, visit the Lady Vols' official athletic site.