Not sure if you know of this site:
www.kayak.com
you put in your information and it will come up with all flights available. I always use this site to check for the best way to go.
And Southwest now allows pets? Never did before - glad to hear it.
I'm an athlete's mom too - so I know what it means to be there. Didn't get the same feeling watching college as I did high school- but my son was playing and I had to be there. I know the feeling.
Enjoy it!