Top-seeded Tennessee started off sluggish, but coach Pat Summitt made sure it didn't last long.

The Lady Vols managed to overcome a halftime deficit and take down the fifth-seeded Fighting Irish of Notre Dame 74-64.

The Lady Vols advanced to their eigth consecutive Elite Eight appearance behind a strong performance from Candace Parker. She tied a career high with 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Nicky Anosike had a double-double for the Lady Vols with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Shannon Bobbitt added 11 points. 

Tennessee moves on to face Texas A&M in Tuesday's Oklahoma City regional final with a trip to the Final Four at stake.

The Lady Vols entered the game with a 20-0 record against Notre Dame all-time and beat the Irish 87-63 on their own court earlier this season.

Despite the unfavorable history, the Irish hung tough with UT. 

Tennessee's starters other than Parker missed their first eight shots of the game, but Parker stepped up for the Lady Vols and scored her team's first eight points.

Tennessee, down 33-31 at half, came out of the locker room on a tear. A 14-0 Lady Vol run put the game out of reach early in the second half.

Notre Dame had four players in double-figures led by Becca Bruszewski and Charel Allen with 16 each. This was the first time the Irish had advanced to the Elite Eight since winning the National championship in 2001.

The Ford Center in Oklahoma City was the site of the 2004 McDonald's All-American game, where Parker became the first woman to win the traditionally all-male dunk contest.

Parker had an opportunity to display her dunking ability in Oklahoma City again early in the contest. However, she opted for a modest layup instead of a slam during the tightly contested early first half. 

The win puts UT's record in the Sweet 16 at 23-4.