I remember being in middle school and high school (20+ yrs ago) during softball or basketball games, everytime one of us would get a great hit, or throw someone out or land a nice layup, we'd all yell "You woman, you!!!" Even our parents got into the act. It was a battle cry of female fierceness for us. Till this day, the only ones I can still say that to and not get the hairy eyeball are those particular women.
I usually joke when called a lady that "you don't know me well enough to know if I'm a lady or not." I grew up in FL where it was common to say sir, ma'am... out of repect. In the NE, if you call a woman under the age of 45 "ma'am", you get nasty looks.
I agree that in a sport setting or anywhere where the tone is professional, the word woman should be used. Lady has it's own spot for certain occasions. Girl is used only between very close friends. "You go girl" however is never allowed.

I do manage to slip sometimes, I have to admit. I errantly used the "young lady" on DGF just last night and got a look that could strip paint off the wall.