WHEREAS, Drexel University women's basketball program claimed a share of school and City history on April 6, 2013 by defeating Utah 46-43 to seize the Women's National Invitation Championship, which is the first postseason title for Drexel and the first for any NCAA Division I women's basketball team in Philadelphia. The Dragons also finished their campaign, with a record of 28-10, with the most single-season wins in school history. Utah finished 23-14; and
WHEREAS, Senior Taylor Wootton scored her 1,000th career point and led her team with 16 points in the championship game. Hollie Mershon, another of the best players in Drexel history, eclipsed the 1,600-point mark for her career en route to Tournament MVP honors. Every single Lady Dragon teammate was essential to building an unshakable foundation upon which this historic victory was built; and
WHEREAS, Mershon's and Wootton's efforts earned them spots on the 2013 WNIT All-Tournament team, with Mershon grabbing the Tournament's MVP honors. This was not only Drexel's first national basketball championship but it was also the first time a team from the Colonial Athletic Association won the WNIT; and
WHEREAS, This thrilling season and WNIT victory would not have been possible without the leadership of head coach Denise Dillon; and
WHEREAS, The 2013 Women's Basketball Drexel Dragons squad will forever have our thanks for bringing home a well-deserved national championship trophy to the proud citizens of Philadelphia, our City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Drexel Women's Basketball Team and head coach Denise Dillon are hereby congratulated for the many victories in 2013.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Drexel University women's basketball program as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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