NORFOLK Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. Try saying that fast three times. It's tough on the tongue. Tougher yet on the body. People wonder what it is, and it sounds ominous. Tell them it's the kidney ailment that ex-NBA star Alonzo Mourning had and they nod their head and say, "Oh yeah. That."

How often do any of us have an opportunity to see the best perform up close and in person? Hampton Roads gets that chance when the Connecticut women's basketball team rolls into Old Dominion's Ted Constant Convocation Center on Sunday. Geno Auriemma's juggernaut is here for the start of the NCAA tournament (a.k.a. The UConn Invitational).

NORFOLK A huge platform for a second row of media members at the Constant Center reminded Old Dominion of the tournament the Lady Monarchs won't be playing in. And the crowd Wednesday night was the smallest home crowd to watch an ODU women's game in the modern era - 790 - but maybe St. Patrick's Day had something to do with it.

NORFOLK Jessica Canady, Old Dominion's senior forward, has been cleared by team physicians to play tonight against American University in ODU's first-round game in the Women's NIT at the Constant Center. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

NORFOLK The Old Dominion Lady Monarchs intend to use the Women's National Invitation Tournament as a stepping stone to next season, and coach Wendy Larry already planned to get some of her first-year players more playing time than usual tonight when they face American University in a first-round game at 7 p.m. at the Constant Center.

NORFOLK The hero of Old Dominion's last NCAA tournament victory received a rousing reception when he was introduced at the Colonial Athletic Association tournament last month. As Petey Sessoms made his way onto the court at the Richmond Coliseum, fans were reminded of one of the program's most memorable wins: a triple-overtime triumph over Villanova in which Sessoms scored 35 points.

By Doug Feinberg Connecticut's path to another perfect season could include a renewal of the most heated rivalry in women's college basketball. The undefeated Huskies earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA women's basketball tournament Monday night and will open against Southern at the Constant Center in Norfolk.

NORFOLK The Old Dominion women's basketball team will play American University at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Constant Center in the first round of the 64-team Women's National Invitation Tournament. The Lady Monarchs (18-13) earned their first bid in the tournament as Colonial Athletic Association regular-season champions. ODU lost to James Madison 67-53 Sunday in the CAA tournament title game.

By Katrina Waugh CHARLOTTESVILLE Ariana Moorer admitted she has no idea where Ames, Iowa is. Monica Wright said it doesn't really matter. The Virginia women's basketball team leaned Monday that it is a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament and will play No. 12-seeded Green Bay on Sunday at 7:20 p.m. in the opening round in Ames.

HARRISONBURG Dawn Evans could have taken the politically correct approach and danced around a delicate question following Sunday's Colonial Athletic Association tournament title game. But anybody who's seen her play knows she's not one to pass up an open shot.