Connecticut, Indiana Senators Make Friendly Wager On Women’s NCAA Championship Game

(Washington, D.C.) – Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) today made a friendly wager with Indiana Senators Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) on tonight’s NCAA Women’s Championship Game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and UConn Huskies. The participation of two undefeated teams in the women’s national championship is a first in NCAA history.

Senators Blumenthal and Murphy bet Jonathan Java Crunch UConn Dairy Bar ice cream and Stew Leonard’s brownies on the Connecticut women's team, winners of 45 straight games.

Senators Coats and Donnelly have staked a basket of goods from South Bend Chocolate Co. on the Fighting Irish, who are appearing in their fourth straight Final Four.

“UConn women are rolling with unstoppable momentum," said Blumenthal. “The men’s triumph last night will be capped by another women’s undefeated season and national championship. These are teams that have supported each other all year and will share the distinction of being only the second basketball teams from the same university to win national championships in the same year. The other set of teams to do so? UConn - 2004. Saving room for South Bend chocolate.”

“Connecticut is electrified after last night’s huge win, and we’re fired up to watch the Huskies take the court again during tonight’s championship game,” said Murphy. “These women have played their hearts out this season and they deserve a win. I know Coach Auriemma and the rest of the team will bring home the trophy this year, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the chocolate that Senators Coats and Donnelly will be bringing to my office tomorrow after the game. It should pair nicely with the Kentucky pies we won last night!”

“I am looking forward to this historic matchup between two incredible teams,” said Coats. “I am confident that the Irish will prevail and look forward celebrating with ice cream and brownies.”

“The Irish are #notdoneyet, and we are very proud of our team and Coach McGraw,” said Donnelly, a Notre Dame alum. “The Huskies are tough, but the Irish are ready. I’m looking forward to enjoying brownies and ice cream after tonight’s win. Go Irish!”