MINNEAPOLIS -- Hundreds of adoring fans welcomed the Minnesota Lynx home Saturday afternoon, one day after the team won its first-ever WNBA championship title.
"This is awesome I wasn't expecting this many people," said Maya Moore, the WNBA Rookie of the Year. "I'm so glad that we were able to bring it back to Minnesota and now we gotta celebrate."
The team arrived at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport around 4 p.m. and were greeted at baggage claim by an estimated 500 fans cheering, waving signs and wearing Lynx jerseys. Even Minnesota governor Mark Dayton was on hand to welcome the new champs.
"I'm proud of the way they played and how they are role models for younger girls," said Dayton.
The Lynx swept the WNBA finals series against the Atlanta Dream, becoming the first professional sports team from Minnesota to win a national championship since 1991 when the Twins won the World Series.
"It was a fun season," said Lindsay Whalen. "Being from Minnesota makes it more special."
A victory parade for the Lynx will take place Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. Immediately following the parade, a rally will be held at Target Center.
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