Spring Break
Kerns, Williams earn first career starts; Moore, McLaren serenade crowd with anthem
Brittany Perotti
Issue date: 3/2/09 Section: Sports
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They were not going to be judged on their basketball ability. No, at this specific point in time, there was silence. All eyes were on them as they took center court.
They took a deep breath, their hearts racing and their heads facing down. Slowly, they raised the microphones to their mouths.
Then, as their teammates turned to watch, they began to sing the anthem.
By the time the two finished in harmony, the XL Center gave a deafening cheer.
As for the two players-turned-singers, they could not wait to get back to their team.
"I just ran," Moore said. 'Home of the brave' and I just darted toward the girls and they all tackled me."
The night was a tumultuous ride of emotions, though bittersweet throughout. Just five minutes prior to Moore's and McLaren's performance, the team was handing out jerseys to its senior class - Renee Montgomery, Cassie Kerns and Tahirah Williams.
As they were presented their jerseys, their parents walked by their sides, arms linked. Their teammates' eyes swelled with tears, while "I Will Remember You" by Sara McLachlin played over the loudspeakers to end the ceremony.
Kalana Greene, who came in to UConn with the threesome, looked as though she tried to fight back tears. By the end, she, too, broke down.
"It was really hard, especially with them because I have been with them for three years," said Tina Charles. "Just everything we do off the court, not everything on the court."
Then came the surprise to the seniors, one that was a tribute to their time at UConn.
It was the rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung by Moore and McLaren.
"It was amazing," Charles said. "I almost cried again."
Yet, the idea was not their brainchild. In fact, it came from coach Geno Auriemma.
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