The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the Women's Final Four as four top teams prepare to battle it out for a shot at the national championship. Iowa, South Carolina, UConn, and NC State have emerged as the last contenders standing, each with their own unique storylines and aspirations.

Friday night's action in Cleveland will kick off with an electrifying matchup between South Carolina and North Carolina State at 7 p.m. ET. South Carolina, the undefeated powerhouse, led by veteran coach Dawn Staley, has been quietly dominating the season, boasting an impressive 60-game home winning streak. They have been averaging a remarkable victory margin of 29.6 points, leaving their opponents in awe. However, NC State will not go down without a fight, having caused major upsets by eliminating top-ranked Texas and No. 2 seed Stanford. Guard Aziaha "Zaza" James has been the driving force behind NC State's success, showcasing her remarkable scoring abilities in their recent games.

Next up, at 9:30 p.m. ET, the resilient UConn Huskies, led by sensational guard Paige Bueckers, will face off against Iowa in a clash that promises to be one for the ages. UConn, a perennial force in women's college basketball, is hungry to recapture the national title after an eight-year gap. Despite facing adversity with only eight healthy players, Bueckers stepped up with a spectacular 28-point performance to secure the Huskies' spot in the semifinals. On the other side, Iowa's star player Caitlin Clark seeks redemption, having avenged last year's heartbreaking loss to LSU by dropping an impressive 41 points in their Elite Eight matchup. With Clark's remarkable scoring prowess and UConn's stout defense, this game promises to be an intense battle between offense and defense.

The excitement surrounding this year's Women's Final Four is palpable, with each team holding the potential to seize the championship. "Anybody can take it. Anybody can win it," said Caitlin Clark, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Iowa, in particular, is driven by their pursuit of their program's first-ever national title, and they are determined to overcome the resilient UConn Huskies. Meanwhile, South Carolina relishes in being the underdog, allowing their dominant play to speak for itself while seeking to give fans something to talk about.

As the Final Four prepares to kick off, fans can expect thrilling basketball, clutch performances, and moments that will be etched in the history books. The battle commences on Friday night, and only two more games stand between these teams and the ultimate prize. The journey to be crowned national champions begins now.