The team celebrated after defeating Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire. Submitted Photo

In the spring of 2005, the two talented basketball players were seniors on the Pequot Lakes High School team that lost in the Class AA state championship game.

Foster and Parker had a second chance to win a basketball title on March 27 as senior teammates on the Minnesota State University of Mankato women's basketball team. But this time they were on the winning end - defeating Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire 103-94 in the NCAA Division II national championship.

The game, which was televised live on ESPN2 and played at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, capped the best season in program history as the Mavericks finished 32-2 and won their first national title.

"A lot of us talked about it," Foster said of the conversations with teammates about winning a championship. "Every player on our team has been a winner. Many of them played at state and some lost (in the title game). So to finally get that (championship) win, and know how it feels, is amazing. Second place is quite an accomplishment, but it's not too often that you can win (a title)."

Parker agreed.

"We're still celebrating," she said in a phone interview before Monday night's welcome home celebration at MSU's Taylor Center. "We knew we had the talent after being ranked No. 1 (earlier in the season). We all deserve (the title) because we worked hard (as players) all our lives."

Foster had played four seasons for the Mavericks and Parker played the past three years. The two have helped Minnesota State steadily improve over the past three years and peaked this season with a veteran lineup playing for interim coach Pam Gohl.

The Mavericks cruised through the regional playoffs with three wins at home to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second straight year. Making the national tournament was a big accomplishment for Minnesota State since their region had been dominated by teams like South Dakota State, which finished as national runners-up last year.

In the national tournament, the Mavericks advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time. They then defeated Michigan Tech 61-53 in the quarterfinals and Alaska-Anchorage 83-60 in the semifinals. The Mavericks then matched up with Franklin Pierce (29-5 overall) in the title game.

The first half was explosive as Minnesota State assumed a 20-11 lead in the first four minutes and eventually led 58-56 at intermission. Both teams shot over 60 percent from the field in the opening half while the Mavericks also used their speed to hinder the Ravens in transition. Franklin Pierce stayed in the game mainly because of the efforts of Jennifer and Johannah Leedham, two sisters who combined for 30 points in the half.

The scoring slowed a bit in the second half, although the teams did combine for a title game record 197 points. The score was tied 88-88 with 5:25 remaining, but that's when the Mavericks took control by scoring 15 of the final 21 points.

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Foster played 20 minutes in the championship game, finishing one of two from the free-throw line. She was on the court for her defensive ability in the final minutes.

"We put Flecia in the last four minutes because Johannah Leedham was beating us down low," Gohl said. "Flecia did a great job of battling (Leedham). She was able to guard her on the perimeter and the outside."

Overall, for the national tournament, Foster totaled 10 points and five rounds while averaging 18 minutes in the three games.

"Flecia brings a lot of energy and experience because of four years on the team," Gohl said. "She doesn't have to score because she's one of the best defensive players on our team."

Parker did not play in the championship, but did have five rebounds and three blocked shots in the semifinal victory.

"We had a couple people with three or four fouls (in the semifinal), so we needed someone off the bench to help," Gohl said. "So Teresa played a lot and guarded (Alaska-Anchorage's) All-American post (Rebecca Kielpinski). She made (Kielpinski) work for every point."

For the season, Foster played in all 34 games. She mostly was the first player off the bench in the four-guard lineup - averaging 16.6 minutes, 5.9 points and 2.8 rebounds. Foster also had 21 steals, 39 rebounds and made 49 of 65 free throws (75 percent).

Parker played in 11 games this season - averaging 5.1 minutes and totaling 12 points, 21 rebounds and six blocks.

"I didn't get all the opportunities to play that I wanted," Parker said of the season, "but I'm on a national championship team and I'm not disappointed."

The game ends the basketball careers of Foster and Parker. With the exception of their freshmen season when Parker played at South Illinois University, the two have been teammates since fourth grade.

"I'm glad Teresa transferred to Mankato," Foster said. "It's such an honor having your best friend as a teammate."

Foster and Parker are also successful academically as All-Academic selections in their conference the past three seasons.

"We're going to miss both of them," Gohl said. "They're tremendous competitors and quality individuals on and off the court."