Any team that reaches the Sweet 16 in college basketball had to go through some challenges,

some ups and downs, some really difficult situations this year more than ever.

And for Michigan women's basketball, consider their journey to this point.

First, two totally different opponents and totally different styles of games to get to the

Sweet 16. In the opener, Florida

Gulf Coast, an electric offense. That first round matchup was a back and forth scoring clinic

until Michigan clamped down defensively while continuing to score. Then you've got that

defensive slug fest on Tuesday night against Tennessee, but Michigan was deeing up better and taking

advantage of more opportunities on that offensive side. It was far from pretty, but the Wolverines

were the tougher team, the more engaged team, and the better team to get to the sweet 16.

Then you consider the history. This program had never been to the Sweet 16 before.

Ever.

You could feel the steady improvement for this program under Kim Barnsorico,

higher ranked recruits year by year, more wins, more consistent postseason opportunities.

But this stage had been the hurdle, had been the roadblock until Tuesday.

There's still plenty available to Michigan women's basketball in San Antonio,

and they will still be striving for more.

They're not satisfied at this point.

But to get to the ultimate prize, you have to break through some barriers and overcome some

past hurdles.

Michigan still wants four more, but they are in the Sweet 16 for the first time ever.

No matter what happens from here, this team, this season will never be forgotten.

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