May 19, 2012

Recap |  Final Stats

California Head Coach Diane Ninemire
Opening Statement:
"I thought tonight we played a really great game. We had a good comeback. Jolene [Henderson] played a tremendous game with eleven strikeouts. The change up really kept them off balance. Vitoria [Jones] really got our team going with the homerun and then we just had several hits from many people on the team. It was a total team effort."

On the two-hour layoff and temperature drop:
"Sometimes that can be difficult, but I know that this team was on a mission and they knew what they needed to do. They kept their focus tonight, and so I'm really proud of their effort. "

On what challenges lay ahead on trying to beat Arkansas two times in a row:
"Arkansas is a good team. They hit the ball well and they played tough defense. We know that we're going to have to play our very best. We are ready for that and look forward to the challenge. We're going to come out and give it our best."

On who's going to start tomorrow:
"We'll have to wait and see tomorrow."

Senior 1B Valerie Arioto
On not seeing a pitch in over five hours:
"I was ready to hit whatever came my way. I just wanted to produce for my team and contribute in some way."

On the game against Arkansas:
"It was a little frustrating not being able to contribute like I said. But that just means more runners for us and more opportunities to get hits and get runs."

Junior Pitcher Jolene Henderson
On how the arm feels after three games:
"Golden. With the adrenaline rush I don't feel anything. I'm just excited to go out and play with my team."

On striking out eleven and needing the win:
"We need to win every game. Our backs are kind of against the wall, but that's how Cal plays best. It's good."

On after the adrenaline rush wears off:
"All season long me and Valerie [Arioto] have been pitching a lot and producing a lot for the team, so I don't think three games will make a huge difference. I have to go out every day and have the team strong behind me whether I throw well or not. So when the adrenaline rush wears off and I feel a little bit of the fatigue, the team will be strong behind me, and I don't have any worries."

Sophomore Catcher Victoria Jones
On hitting well under the lights and her homerun:
"It feels good. It was relieving to produce for my team. We did great tonight."

On which pitch did you hit out:
"I think a screwball."

On if it was her longest HR, and where did it rank:
"I'd say it was pretty far."