1.   It was their third court appearance.

2.   A team that broke through in its third consecutive NCAA appearance.

3.   But it is their experiences along the way that seem to have made this third consecutive appearance the most cherished of all.

4.   But the club signed former Atlanta right-hander Brad Clontz, who made his third consecutive appearance Sunday against the Astros.

5.   But this team laid its foundation last season, when the team made its third consecutive appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.

6.   Connecticut, making its third straight appearance in the Final Four, was dismissed last year in the semifinals, losing to Notre Dame, the eventual national champion.

7.   Edgar Martinez will be in his fourth All-Star game, while Anderson and Justice are making their third appearance.

8.   He was replaced by Artus Irbe, who made his third appearance of the season.

9.   Hernandez was making his third appearance since being activated from the disabled list Tuesday.