March 16, 2007

NCAA Women's Basketball
Press Conference Quotes
Stanford University, March 16, 2007

Marist Red Foxes

Head Coach Brian Glorgis

Opening Statement:
"Were very excited to be here with 18 inches of snow in New York as we speak. This is a chance for us to play Ohio State at Stanford; it is kind of like a topping off at the end of the year. We had a great year this year, played top competition in Duke, Maryland and Villanova, and were really looking forward to playing Ohio State tomorrow.

On the matchup vs. Ohio State
"Offensively we have to do what we do best which is our motion offense. We are going to have to set good screens and read our screens well, The one thing we have been good at all year is that we have taken care of the basketball. We have to value the basketball and be able to take good shots. We can't let our offense be their offense. We start three point guards that all have good ball handling skills. Defensively Davenport is just very good and we will have to handle her. We have to know when to double down and when not to double down. What we have seen from video is Jessica Davenport just doesn't panic. A big key for us tomorrow is our transition defense, we will have to get back and avoid giving up easy baskets.

On experience of coming out to California
"Lots of similarities to other tournament games. There hasn't been a cloud in the sky since I got here. I just got a call from New York from a friend about shoveling driveways and I was telling him how great the weather is out here. Overall the NCAA is just first rate and there are always great hosts. The team has been able to take in some sights and enjoy the experience of being out here. Having four kids from Ohio just seems to intensify the matchup."

Marist Forward Rachele Fitz

On stopping Jessica Davenport
"Were trying to pretend like she is one of the girls on our team, but obviously you can't pretend when she is 6'5" and a big girl. Were just trying to practice normal and stay focused.

On the California atmosphere
"It's been really exciting, I am just very happy being a freshmen to be able to share this experience with my team. Joining a great Marist team I am very happy where I am and hopefully we will get a win tomorrow and make it more exciting.

On being recruited by Ohio State
"I'm not sure how strong I was recruited, but there was a mutual liking. We both decided to pursue other options and I am happy to be where I am now.

Marist Forward Meg Dahlman

On stopping Jessica Davenport
"We have gone up against big girls this year, a lot of talented players in the post and she compares to a lot of them.

On defending a taller post player
"You have to be able to use the skills you have an advantage in whether it be your quickness or your higher jumps and just use things that they don't have. If they are stronger than you or quicker than you, you can beat her at other things. Even if we don't shut her down there are other players we need to prepare for.

Marist Guard Alisa Kresge

On being a senior in the NCAA Tournament
"Personally this is exciting, it is my last chance hopefully to get a win here, but overall it is just exciting being out here, we are getting anxious now. But just being here for my third time, we know were a great team, we just need to come out and be ready to play, we have no nerves nothing to lose, we just need to come and lay it all on the line.

On her role tomorrow
"I think my role will be the same as what it is been all year, which is basically run our offense the best I can, work hard on defense and get the ball to the open man.

On the key for tomorrow's game
"The game will most likely be decided down low, and our guards being able to close out on their shooters. Our guards also when they get an open shot will have to be able to hit it if we want to have success.