Courtney, Eshoo Put Local Favorites on the Line in Final Four Wager

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Reps. Joe Courtney (CT-2) and Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) announced today the details of a friendly wager over the upcoming Final Four game between the women’s basketball teams from Stanford University and the University of Connecticut. As Members of Congress who represent the Stanford University Cardinal and the University of Connecticut Huskies, and passionate fans of their hometown teams, they are competing for bragging rights.

If Stanford wins, Rep. Courtney will have to hand over a gift basket of eastern Connecticut signature treats including Munson’s Chocolates, Selbuort Valley Farms Maple Syrup, Cato Corner Cheese, Deep River Chips, Jarmoc cigars and Cottrell Beer. If Connecticut wins, Rep. Eshoo will provide Courtney with an assortment of California wines and fresh artichokes grown in her congressional district.

“UConn women’s basketball’s track record of success is unparalleled, and this year’s team is carrying on that proud tradition of excellence,” Courtney said. “Stanford has produced great teams over the years, but Coach Geno Auriemma has this group looking unstoppable. I’m predicting a UConn victory, and yet another visit to the White House for the Huskies.”

“I’m looking forward to an epic matchup between two titan teams,” Eshoo said. “Stanford women are facing a strong, top-seeded team from Connecticut, but they’ve got the guts and grit to ‘take it to the paint’ and bring home a victory. Fear the Tree, Joe!”

The UConn Huskies are in contention for their ninth national championship title since 1995, which would put UConn alone at the top of the all-time women’s NCAA basketball championships list. With both the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams in the Final Four for the fourth time – a feat that a handful of other schools have accomplished only once – Courtney has placed a similar friendly wager with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) on the outcome of the men’s semifinal game versus the University of Florida. Click here to read that release.