COLUMBIA, S.C. — Women's March Madness is now underway as the South Carolina Gamecocks work toward their third National Championship under head coach Dawn Staley.
On Friday, the women defeated No. 16 seed Presbyterian 91-39 during the first round of the March Madness tournament at the Colonial Life Arena.
With multiple Final Four appearances and two National Championships under their belt, this year, they're poised to make another deep run in the tournament.
"The Gamecock fans love this team, they love Dawn Staley, they love everything that is going on in this community," longtime USC fan Vivian Dix said.
As fans entered the Colonial Life Arena for the first round of the women's March Madness Friday, it's clear that Dawn Staley has elevated women’s basketball not just in Columbia but around the nation.
"This is the house Dawn has built. She has brought great girls in and we have been very competitive in how we are playing. Women's basketball has moved to a different level," Dix said.
The women's basketball NCAA tournament is garnering support the sport has never seen before.
"For so long everyone always drew attention to the men. And for the ladies to be in the spotlight in this era of time is quite amazing," another USC fan, Laquanda Hart said.
Last year the women's tournament set unparalleled viewing records and the national championship game scored 9.9 million viewers. It was the most-viewed women's college basketball game on record and the most-viewed college basketball game for both men and women ever.
And while the women Gamecocks were not a part of last year’s national championship game, those numbers are expected to grow in hopes the women will make it all the way.
"The emotions are all over the place and you can take for instance the game between USC and LSU. It was a little heated but when you're playing for the title it gets that way," said Hart.
And this community is putting their best and most energetic foot forward. "We are looking for a win forever the Gamecocks baby!" Hart said.