COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The NCAA Champion Maryland women's basketball team returned from its two-week European tour which capped the most successful season in school history. The Terps visited four countries in 12 days, while also taking time to play four games, two of which went into overtime.

"Traveling to Europe was a tremendous experience for all of us - the players, coaches, staff and fans that traveled with us," said head coach Brenda Frese. "It was an enriching experience to be exposed to beautiful architecture, so much history and different kinds of food. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. And to play against great competition will only make us better for the upcoming season."

Aside from a select few, it was the first time most of the travel party had been to Budapest, Hungary, Vienna, Austria, Prague, Czech Republic, and Paris, France. For some, it was the first time outside of the country. The group consisted of the players, coaching staff, support staff, family members and some loyal fans.

The journey began in Budapest, where the hotel was located right on the Danube River. It was the first time the travel party had to adjust to a new language, new food and exchanging money. Some of the most memorable sights visited in the historic city were Prague Castle, Hero's square and the city's amusement park.

A bus trip to Vienna took the team through the beautiful countryside of Hungary and Austria. Although it was a short stay, the Terps got a taste of the Austrian city and viewed some of the best architecture in Europe which dates back to the 12th century. Among the sights was St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna's most famous sight in the heart of the city center. On the second day, Maryland took an emotional tour through Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp.

On the schedule was the first game in Europe which Maryland won, 86-83, in overtime over Herozenburg. Final Four Most Outstanding Player Laura Harper (Elkins Park, Pa./Cheltenham) and freshman Marissa Coleman (Cheltenham, Md./St. John's College [D.C.]) both led five double-digit scorers with 16 points each.

Prague was the next stop and, with little time for rest, the Terps were back on the court, once again. The outcome was a 68-63 victory in regulation versus Sparta Prague. All-American Crystal Langhorne (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro) scored a game-high 18 points. Although it rained for most of the day, the Terps took to the city with some sightseeing and shopping.

The fourth and final stop was in Paris, where the team split a couple of games versus Insep, the former team of junior Aurelie Noirez (Vandeouvre, France). It was another close affair and the Terps lost the first overtime game of the year, 91-88. But the loss was avenged the following day. With junior All-ACC performer Shay Doron (Great Neck, N.Y./Christ the King) directing her teammates from the sidelines, the Terps claimed the win, 90-80.

In the city, Paris did not disappoint. The lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum were must-see stops. Not to mention a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and a boat tour on the Seine River.

In all, the Terps traveled over 9,000 miles by bus, plane, boat and foot before heading back home to Maryland. For a daily log of the team's trip to Europe, including photos and video postcards, log on to www.umterps.com.

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