SIXTEEN

The air was tense and everyone was on their toes the entire week leading up to the game. Paige and Robin had agreed that she'd give her some space leading up to the game so she could get her mind right. Her girlfriend only wanted the best for her, so she immediately agreed to allow the basketball player to have this week to get into her correct mindset.

Paige knew that this game was one of the most important of her life. She had been nervous all basketball season, scared that one mess up and they would be back at square one. However, with Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin already in the WNBA, she knew that Iowa wasn't a challenge, which was proven right when they were knocked out of the finals.

This year the final teams were South Carolina versus UCONN. Paige and the team believed they had the ability to win against the team, and they'd prepared all season for this moment. There was this feeling in them that reminded them of why they were there.

This was their redemption game.

Paige stretched on the locker room floor as the entire team waited for the game to begin. Music blasted throughout the room and each of the women were in their own heads. The confidence radiating off of them.

"Alright ladies, crowd around me before we go out!" Geno's voice boomed as the music was turned down. "This is the moment that we have all been preparing for. You have spent countless mornings, afternoons, and nights practicing and perfecting your craft, and now it is time to prove to everyone that you deserve this more than anyone. I witnessed the hurt that you all felt last year against Iowa. Remember that feeling that you felt, channel it, and don't let it happen again. Tonight we may be in South Carolina, but this is our court."

The ladies listened intently as Geno passionately spoke encouragement into them. They were ready as they would ever be. To Paige, and the rest of the seniors, this was their last chance for redemption.

The words rang in their minds as they walked onto the court. While they were a goofy team who loved laughs, at this moment there was no sign of it. They were serious and this game meant the world to them.

Paige began shaking everyone's hand and offering them a small smile. However, once she approached Sakima Walker, there was no kind smile that was reciprocated, only a glare. While she was confused why she was being sent those looks, Paige ignored it, not allowing anyone to knock her off her game tonight.

Tonight was her night. And, she would prove all naysayers wrong.

Paige returned back to her side of the court, looking through the crowd for her girl. She smiled brightly at Robin, who was dressed in a customized jacket that she'd painted with Paige's pictures on the back. Her curly hair was pulled to the back, showing off her beautiful features. She was perfect.

Robin sat comfortably with Paige's family and Harley, smiles on all of their faces as they waved happily at her. The curly headed girl blew the blonde a kiss, which she caught and placed it on her heart. Sakima watched Paige interact with her girlfriend and smirked.

She knew how to get under her skin now.

The game was in its third quarter and the team had been playing amazing the entire game. UCONN had the lead by six and their defense on South Carolina was strong and tight. Every single time the team tried for a shot, the girls shot it down. The irritation in the Gamecocks was palpable, and everyone could see it.

After a quick timeout called by the opposing team, the ladies returned to the court. However, this time Sakima was guarding Paige. Knowing that she was not going to be playing fairly, the blonde had prepared herself for the rough play.

"That's your girl up there?" Sakima questioned, a cocky smile graced on her face, but Paige ignored the girl, focusing on the game. Right now, she had the ball, dribbling it down the court with her opponent closely guarding her. "I'm assuming she is. How'd you bag her?"

The blonde continued to tune the player out, passing the ball down to Azzi who successfully sank a 3-pointer. Now, SC had the ball and they ran down the court towards their goal. One of their players passed the ball to Sakima, who attempted to score a layup, but was taken down by Paige.

After blocking her shot, the blonde put her finger over her mouth, signaling for the girl to stop talking. The crowd went crazy as they watched the scene unfold. It was as if a new fire had ignited inside number five. No one would ever be able to bring the worst out of Paige, and while she has done her fair share of trash talking, she would not allow anyone mention her girl.

It was UCONN's ball and Aubrey had the ball, thinking about who she was going to pass it to. While Sakima was guarding her pretty good, Paige still managed to get the ball and go for a layup. However, as she jumped up to shoot the ball, Sakima knocked her out of the air.

Paige felt as if all the air was knocked out of her as her body hit the floor. She stayed on her back for a moment, her face covered with her hands as she attempted to get her breathing back in order. She knew that the opposing player had meant to do that to her.

She removed her hands from her face, and saw Azzi and Aubrey hovering over her, making sure she was okay. Paige smiled softly, holding her hand out for them to help her out. Geno ran over, making sure his player was okay before returning to the refs, demanding that they made a call on that shove.

Paige looked to the stands, seeing the worried faces of her family and girlfriend. Robin's eyebrows were furrowed, her bottom lip tucked under her teeth. The blonde mouthed, 'I'm fine,' whilst nodding her head, making Robin nod her head in satisfaction.

The referees ended up calling a foul, allowing Paige to get two free throws that she easily made. She got back in her position of guarding Sakima, not saying a word to her.

"No words for me today, Bueckers?" Sakima said, "Mad at me because I showed your sexy ass girlfriend how much of a little bitch you truly are?"

Paige mugged the girl in front of her, "Walters, shit talking me isn't going to get your team more points on the board. Instead of trying to use my girl to get under my skin, you need to be worried if your team will win this championship."

While the two were going back and forth, Azzi had taken control of the ball, causing a turnover and immediately shooting a three pointer shot. Increasing their score to 78-64. Paige smirked in Sakima's face once again, showing that no matter what the girl said, UCONN would always be the better team tonight.

"Speak on her again and we'll have a problem." Paige said, walking to the bench since the South Carolina coach, Dawn Staley, called a timeout.

It seemed as if after Paige and the South Carolina player's interaction, UCONN was dominating on the court. They poured their all into the game, making sure to get as many points on the board as they could.

They'd been saying that this game was their redemption game and by the looks of it, they'd been redeemed.

Blue and white confetti dropped from the arena ceiling once more, but this time, it was because they'd become the victors of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. Tears filled the girls eyes as they put their hats on and hugged one another tightly.

Geno had forced the seniors to get together and take their final picture. This was one for the books. After celebrating with the team, Paige, Azzi, and Aubrey were ushered into the conference room where they'd be giving their last interview.

"Delilah Atmore, I have a question for Paige Bueckers." A woman stood from her seat, "First off, congratulations on your win! At your Final Four game we saw that NCAA Women's Volleyball champion, Robin Ali was there sporting your jersey. Today, we also see her wearing a jacket with your pictures painted along it. If you don't mind me asking, how has your relationship with the volleyball player affected you this year on the court?"

Paige's smile expanded after hearing her girlfriend's name being said, "There have been  so many moments this year where I have felt defeated and like all my work was for nothing. Coming from the loss against Iowa last year was pretty rough on our team. But, Robin coming into my life has been a blessing, and I'm sure the rest of the team could agree. She's been to almost all of our games, cheering us on from the stands and rocking some type of our merchandise. Some days the coaching staff would even let her into our practices to help us out with drills because they wanted us to train under a "national champion." So, I would say that the relationship that her and I have is a I pour into you and you pour into me. I think I speak for all of us when I say that she's a true inspiration. We love her, but I know that I love her the most. Mark my words, Robin  Ali will become Robin Bueckers."