CALIFORNIA — California University’s women’s basketball team received a hero’s welcome during a parade Tuesday celebrating the team’s national championship, but it was a bittersweet day for some.
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The Vulcans won the NCAA Division II national championship Friday night by defeating California Baptist in a game played in South Dakota.
The team returned home over the weekend and celebrated Tuesday with members of the community.
However, one prominent member of the team was missing, an absence felt in the hearts of coaches and teammates.
Shanice Clark, 21, died in January as a result of complications from sickle cell trait.
Her teammates dedicated their season to Clark before the national championship game and have since said Clark’s spirit was with them on the court.
“We miss her,” said coach Jess Strom. “There were some times where we probably shouldn’t have won those games and we love you, Shanice, and we’re thinking about you.”
The loss of their teammate didn’t stop the Vulcans from reveling in their accomplishments, however.
Crowds lined the streets to cheer on the team, which carried the trophy along the parade route and eventually into a rally at the convocation center.
WPXI
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