May 21, 2011

Recap |  Final Stats

California Head Coach Diane Ninemire

Opening Statement:
"Well I thought we came out today and played a much better style of softball, more of our style today. We got some key hits today in some timely situations and we played a really tough Louisville team. They gave us all that we wanted, but basically had one big inning. We had several other opportunities to score, but unfortunately were unable to get a hit. We had people in scoring position, but hopefully we will be able to do a better job tomorrow."

On if they will watch the UIC-Jacksonville State or Louisville game:
"We may watch a little bit. We're going to go back, take showers, eat dinner and rest. It's not about who we play, but how we play. We are going to take care of ourselves and come out and do the best job we can do. Whoever we face tomorrow is going to be a tough team. It's all about how we are going to play tomorrow."

On taking advantage of Louisville's errors:
"It's part of our game. We like to get our speed on base and apply pressure. We try to take advantage of every opportunity we can, and that's the game of softball. It's usually the team with the fewest errors that wins the game. It's a very fine line at this level when you get to the postseason between winning and losing. It's those teams that can create those opportunities, take advantage of doors that are open, and then just play solid softball."

On being the aggressor:
"You cannot be passive, you have to be aggressive and under control. You have to be relaxed, but focused. Teams that can handle the pressure the best normally come out on top. You know tomorrow we have a great team to play no matter who it is. We have to be aggressive and come out and play our style."

On having to lose twice to be eliminated:
"It's a great thing, but I have been on both sides. Nothing is easy. You have to come out regardless if you play one game or two games tomorrow. We have to play and leave nothing on the field tomorrow, so we will come out and do our very best.

On what she will say to her team tomorrow:
"To come out and play their very best. This is what we have played all year for to have this one moment tomorrow. We are going to come and give it our very best."

Junior Outfielder Elia Reid:

On her thoughts before her home run:
"I was just trying to stay relaxed and focus on the ball."

On her thoughts about her sister going down in the sixth:
"She will get through it and be fine. She has had surgery on it before and there is a possibility of her playing tomorrow."

On what she thought about Louisville:
"They are a great team and tough."

On the important of not playing until Sunday:
"We need our rest, especially our pitching."

Freshman Shortstop Britt Vonk:

On the important of not playing until Sunday:
"We need our rest. Especially the pitchers like Jolene."