March 18, 2007

Head Coach Tara VanDerveer:

(Opening Statement about tomorrow's game with Florida State) "Florida State is going to be a great challenge for our team. They have a great inside outside game, they're very athletic, they rebound really well, and they have a lot of options offensively. I think our team is going to have to come out and play really well. We want to continue the momentum I think we've had through the season, the tournament, and the beginning of the NCAA."

(Turnovers from yesterday's game, changes for tomorrow) "I think that playing a team like USC, that's big and athletic, helps us. We really focused today in practice more on the things they did offensively. We want to learn how to defend them. It is going to be really key for us to take care of the ball. We did a good job at it yesterday but that's a whole different experience. We've gone from a team that was totally sagging to a team that might be more extended. I feel that we've played against that. That's why we play the schedule that we play. We need to focus on good passing."

(Jumbo Lineup) "I think we could possibly play it. We are in a zone in that lineup, we have to make sure we rebound and that we also stop penetration. When we played ASU, I don't feel we did as good a job as we needed to in the second half stopping them from penetrating. It would definitely help us with rebounding and clogging things up inside. It could be an option tomorrow although it was not an option yesterday."

(Candice as an asset and at the point) "It is to our teams advantage that she has the flexibility and versatility to play the 1 & 2. She also does whatever her team needs her to. She's so committed to winning and do whatever it takes. Her skills and her leadership are great to have her at that position. Yesterday, I felt that Cissy did such a great job both offensively and defensively in the 2, and that helps Candice to play the 1."

(Florida State) "I think Sue and her staff have done a great job. They're a very young team; they lost 5 seniors last year. To come back, playing at the same position is impressive. I think it is an advantage to both teams to know a little bit about your opponent. We're going to have to play very well, be inspired and just play a good game."

(Jayne Appel) "She surprised me today saying she was nervous, I didn't think she was. She's had a great freshman year; she's a great player. We're not going to wok so hard to throw the ball inside if she's going to go 4-13 and she knows it. We just need some better production from her. I have a lot of confidence in Jayne, I think she's going to step up and really do well for us in as far as we can go."

Jayne Appel:

(First game reactions) "It's nice to have my first game behind me. I was really nervous; the first half was tough for me to get through. It is definitely nice to have all the nerves out."

(Yesterdays game with turnovers, what to change for tomorrow) " In terms of the inside game, we need to not dribble, just keep the ball up high. Out in the perimeter, make sure its good passing and very quick."

Brooke Smith:

(Playing Florida Last Year and familiarity) "They have some of the same players back from last year and some different players due to graduating seniors. We are a little familiar with their post player Britany Miller, Gladden and Davis-Cain. I think it's nice and gives us a little bit of a head start in terms of scouting and be familiar with what their strengths are."

(Having Jumbo Line up vs. Florida State) "This team is a team we could play our jumbo line up against. I think it gives us some great size inside. Florida State is a really great rebounding team. They crash the 'O-boards' really hard, as well as box out well. I think that having me, New (Kristen Newlin), and Jayne in together would help us on the boards and take up some space inside, able to pack it in a little better against some of their big post players. I love playing with New and Jayne together. I mean how often do you see that big of lineup? Its fun, and it is just a different look for us."

(Remembering last years game) "They're a very good team. They've got a couple of great post players inside who can score on the block and have gotten even better since last year. They have some perimeter players who are very athletic and very aggressive who can shoot the ball as well. It will be a good challenge for us to defend both of those areas."