TOLEDO, OH - The community gathered to recognize Toledo's 2011 Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) Championship on Thursday in Savage Arena. In conjunction with tonight's celebration, UT Vice President and Athletic Director Mike O'Brien announced that Head Coach Tricia Cullop has signed a contract extension through the 2019-20 season, bringing the crowd of approximately 1,000 fans to their feet.

"I have to tell you that I am humbled every time I walk into Savage Arena by the reception that our program receives from our great Toledo fans, said Cullop, the 2010-11 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year. "That is just one of the many reasons why this place is so special."

Fans in attendance had the opportunity to listen to UT President Dr. Lloyd A. Jacobs, Coach Cullop and selected players (junior Courtney Ingersoll, junior Naama Shafir, senior Jessica Williams, senior Melissa Goodall) speak about a historic postseason run that saw the Rockets become the first MAC basketball program to capture a national postseason tournament. Highlights from Toledo's six postseason victories were also shown on the videoboard throughout the hour-long ceremony.

The Rockets' historic postseason run was capped off by a 76-68 triumph over USC in the championship game before a national television audience and league women's basketball record 7,301 fans. UT's victims en route to its postseason title also included Colonial Athletic Association member Delaware (March 16), SEC member Auburn (March 19), SEC member Alabama (March 22), Big East member Syracuse (March 27) and Atlantic 10 member Charlotte (March 30).