2008 NCAA Field Hockey Championships - Pre-Championship Press Conferences
November 20, 2008 | Field Hockey
Nov. 20, 2008
Maryland Terrapins
Missy Meharg, Head Coach (Opening statement) "On behalf of Maryland, I would really like to thank the University of Louisville, fantastic venue, were very proud to represent Maryland and back to the Final Four, we're really looking forward to the competition."
(Venues) "Its really amazing in three years how much this school has put into their facilities, its absolutely beautiful and even the hockey venue, we haven't been into the locker room part butt the Yum Center and I think when we were here it seemed like that whole first part coming from Downtown, we were at the Brown hotel, it was mostly parking lots but that's just beautiful."
(On other Maryland Championship teams) "That's a hard one, each team is so different, this team really has been a team of hard work. I think back in February I'm not sure we actually saw ourselves in this position, in regards to the other team you're referring to; it was particularly the team that was here in 2005. It was pretty clear that team had the potential to be here, but this team has just worked so hard."
(On) "It would have been in our preseason, which for us is the spring and winter portion actually, I think for us back in March and April, we were just as low as we could possibly be from commitment to defining the work that it needed to take to be champions and at that point we went through some adverse times together, went the hard root and the women bought on to understanding that there's a tradition and expectation of a level of living. A way to live to put yourself at a position to be a National Champion. I think with the leadership of the senior class, the younger players really bought on and I think that was the point in the whole season that changed for us. And they came back fit, that always helps, if you're relying on them to do a program where you've got 14 days before your first game in your 3 and a half month competition, these women came back exceedingly fit physically."
(On Iowa) "Yes, we've seen a great amount of footage with Iowa, we know a lot of these players from are US high performance plate program, certainly hockey is a small world, and a lot of the women come from the Pennsylvania region, etc. There are a very, very talented team, very hard hitting and we're looking forward to competing with them."
(on making adjustments or adapting) "I think we are really tweaking is areas in our game that we think we can even do better to exenterate the success on certain areas on the field, we looking more at tweaking what we are doing."
(on contrasting styles) "The Duke game is an interesting game, I think to find yourself up five nothing in an ACC match is pretty outrageous, so the final score actually resemble much the first 20 minutes. I think you look at some of our games this year, they're a 1-0, 2-1 etc. so I think we'll be fine."
(ACC vs. Big 10) "I think post season is post season. I think ACC hockey is ACC hockey. I don't think that there is any better league to prepare you to be here right now, all of our teams in the ACC are just outrageous from players to coaching staff to the energy of our tournament. So really that tournament in itself in our view what's hard about the ACC is that you gear yourself so much to win the ACC and to be in a position to win that, you have to put yourself in a position to realize there's an NCAA tournament, and I know when I look back at last year I think sometimes in the ACC that happens and it's a challenge to keep everybody going ok there is another level and it's a really important level not they wouldn't see that way. I think the energy and level of hockey in the ACC has put us in a good position to focus a little more on that than Big 10. You know at times I would say Big 10 has a different style than ACC but I don't think so, I think when it all comes down to post season, I think it comes down to the will and what team wants it more. And I think the team that wants it more will probably be National Champions."
(all business) "We're very interested in having fun. To us this is an event there's no guarantees Maryland will win the National Championship, there's no guarantees we'll be fortunate enough to beat Iowa tomorrow, but there is a guarantee that will have fun, and work really hard and we'll stay together that's the best we can do."
Alexis Pappas, Junior Forward/Midfielder (exciting player) "I think one of the great things about us, that what makes it so exciting to watch is us together, and the way that we pass and communicate. I wouldn't say that there's one person, and I would say just as a group that makes it fun."
(on playing for a National Championship) "I just think that its just the way that we have, we always want to start with our upperclassmen and they have a way about them, like a work ethic and just the way they play on the field together as a team. I know as a freshman I felt like it just relays down through the team, the senior class is such a great leadership class, then our junior class we are so tight with them, and then the sophomore class it just keeps coming up through the team. It's just the Maryland way."
Susie Rowe, Senior B (exciting player) "I would agree with that, definitely our biggest strength is the fact that we are such a strong team together rand I think the biggest thrill as far as spectators will see is great team hockey from Maryland, we don't have to give the ball to one certain person and have them win the game for us, so that's a big strength of ours I think."
(on playing for a National Championship) "Well I've been very fortunate to be apart of two that have won the National Championship so it seems very real for me, and I've been here before this exact location in 2005, and so has the rest of my senior class, like we know what its like and what it takes, and I think that's been something that we have been able to rely throughout the rest of the team, first of what it takes, and what Missy (coach) was talking about the spring what it takes to be a at a National Championship after being knock down so bad last year. I think getting the team prepared was very important and now we're here, some of the younger girls, we've got our freshman and sophomore class that haven't been to a Final Four I think they are a bit overwhelmed at the moment but we're trying to keep them where they need to be and with the team, they're very much apart of how well we can do this weekend."
(a fresh start) "Its very refreshing, it can get a bit repetitive playing against the same competition in the ACC we know each team so well in the ACC, And its really nice to get out and play some non-ACC competition, we'll be very familiar with the team via video, but when it comes to on the field I think it will be very refreshing to play style of hockey, different game. We're really looking forward to it."
Iowa Hawkeyes
Tracey Griesbaum, Head Coach (opening statement) "Its excellent I know we've have visited Louisville a couple times, I know since Roz (Ellis) and Lauren (Pfeiffer) have been apart of the program, including some spring tournaments too, so we feel really comfortable here, the surface plays wells, the facilities are outstanding, people are friendly, It's great."
(waiting an extra day to get bid) "It was the longest day of my life, it was really, really long, it was really unique circumstances obviously but like the team has handle along all season, it was just one more thing we had to do, nothing was going to be easy for us this year, and we kind of thrive on that. And I know our senior class in particular has just handle quote on quote adversity really well the whole season. They just put a real positive spin on it we had fun with it and just like you can be apart of history again for another reason. I think it's the first suspended game in NCAA field hockey to the next day. So just kind of added that to what else can we accomplish type of attitude, and they handle that really well."
(contrasting styles) " I really think its going to be a battle, we definitely think that we have a defense that's really solid , we can play really controlled and really purposeful and I think we can scramble really well too If you're playing against an attack like that there's going to be moments where you're going to have to scramble might not like pretty, but we're pretty resilient and we know how to play team defense we know how to play individual defense, so its going to be interesting, very interesting."
(vs. Maryland) "They're numbers are what they are, you have to take that into account when your preparing and scouting but you know tomorrow is a new day and that's how we're looking at it, and really we do think we're a great team, we wouldn't be here if we weren't so we're just going to take it head on. It's exciting we haven't played Maryland I think since 1999 that seems like a long time ago and so I think that the freshness part of it, you're just coming off you're conference play, and you feel like you're playing the same teams you know them so well, so I think its really exciting, breath of fresh air, different style, challenges our athletes in a different way."
(game knowledge) "I think our athletes, all of them pretty much juniors and seniors have played at a pretty high level whether it be collegiately or nationally or internationally, and I think they put themselves in that situation or position every day. And when they are training, representing the University of Iowa they're in that mindset all the time, of being the best, being a champion. Physically its new \, new territory, new ground we're walking on with this team at the Final Four but I think in our preparation, our mindset and how we handle ourselves that's what we thrive for everyday, every season, every year."
Roz Ellis, Senior B/MF (waiting an extra day for bid) "It was pretty much how we were all feeling, when it happened it was kind of disappointing because you want to know who's going to the Final Four, we wanted to play it out, but we just embrace it as it was and took every moment for what its worth and came out hard the next day."
(describing the team) "If someone hasn't seen our team play and perhaps were watching us for the first time this weekend I hope that they would notice how much we are a team, we don't have one MVP on our team, it's anyone on the field can do anything. So if someone choses to mark one player on the team the ball can be dish to someone else and they can perform just as well as that person so I think we have 100% true athletes all across our field."
(on snowy game) "I think the scariest thing for me when the snow started coming down the hardest was how fast the ball speed was going to be. Typically when I looked to transfer the ball around I was very hesitated because what if I hit it and the snow just decides to stop the ball, and that's a one v one for the goalkeeper. So as I would typically transfer it I was playing it safe and giving very little dish passes, I think it was more difficult for the referees because they couldn't see the lines, like Lauren said we had a really good time with it, we got a corner right in the beginning of the second half, we were all laughing in the circle like I can't believe this is happening. It is snowing so hard right now, but we just took it for what is was worth and it just happened to be postponed."
Lauren Pfeiffer, Senior B/MF
(describing the team) "Something we've really focused on this season is our work ethic, I hope teams see as a team that just doesn't give up and goes 100% all the time and our defense is very strong and that is definitely a good aspect of our team. And all throughout the field whether it be from our goalkeeper, to our forwards everyone's defense has just gotten so much better. Just our drive to score and our drive to improve throughout the game is something we have going for us as well."
(lost of sleep) "I guess we treated as if it was just another whole game itself. It was jus a 27 minute game, we looked at it and treated it that way. I don't think it was much different than a normal game preparation."
(on snowy game) "It was actually pretty fun, we were having a lot of fun, and it just kept getting thicker the snow on the ground. You couldn't see the lines, the ball was really unpredictable, we were having fun in it and we didn't want to stop."
Wake Forest Head Coach, Jennifer Averill
(On Louisville as a host site) "We think it's a first class presentation. It's a home away from home any time you can come to a venue and really feel that it's first class. The community, the way they embrace it, the host institution the way that they really take honor in the little details of the tournament makes it special for everybody involved and we are just extremely grateful to be a part of it."
(On the talent of Syracuse) "We have tremendous respect for Syracuse. Obviously, statistically they have held most of those records throughout the season and we known that we have a tough opponent ahead of us. Having said that, our focus has never been any individual category we're just here at the tournament for one category. There is no doubt for the 2008 campaign that the strength of the ACC was unbelievable. I think being a representative, Wake Forest is certainly proud to represent the ACC at this tournament and we're looking forward to the competition Friday night."
(On Wake Forest's NCAA tournament history -nine straight semifinal appearances) "Having said that our focus this season, myself and my trainer has experienced nine. Neither one of us can step out on the field it's the first time for the 2008 campaign and that's pretty much been our focus. Whether you've been here before obviously the experience is great, but it's a brand new squad with different personalities and different attitudes. We're very fortunate and blessed to have been here so many times our focus is really towards this 2008 campaign."
(Learning from Maryland lose) "I think any time you can find yourself matched up against an opponent such as Maryland and know that you are in a position to win a championship. I have incredible pride with my team and I was very pleased. I am not making excuses for ourselves at all. We came off a long road trip from Boston. Two days later starting the ACC tournament facing an incredibly talented, tough opponent, Boston College and came back twice from behind. I thought that showed tremendous character with our group. Right after that game we followed up with the Tarheels, who I think are one of the most talented teams in the country. We were able to walk away with a win from that game. A day off then faced Maryland so, while we wanted to win a championship that experience, that strength knowing we could come from behind certainly helped us in the second round against Virginia. Fortunately for us, those experiences are invaluable. Again that's a wonderful attribute for playing in this conference. I think we're ready for this."
(On change for Wake Forest) "At this stage in the game you don't want to change anything up or mix it up. We've been consistent; I think Syracuse is saying the same think being consistent. I think it's a matter of application and fine tuning some things, getting well rested and getting plenty of food in our bellies."
(On ACC competition preparing Wake Forest for NCAA tournament) "Everybody in their own respective conference has battles to win. The thing that I love about the ACC is that Boston College may play a certain style of outletting versus Carolina and then Maryland may do something to tweak it a little bit. That's a little bit more unique. It's like a golfer going out and putting on three or four different surfaces that's what I feel like the ACC does with your opponents. You get a little bit of this and a little bit of that the perplexity of all of it really helps in your preparation. Knowing how much more out there could be out there. Syracuse probably possesses a little bit of "a" from this team and "b" from one of our other ACC opponents, but collectively that is certainly helps us in this situation."
(On first time playing Syracuse) "I think it's refreshing. Any time you have a tournament where you're coming in facing somebody brand new I think it's extremely refreshing. I certainly wouldn't want to be facing an ACC opponent this first round, that's difficult. I think it brings great excitement. It's great for our sport do get different looks. I know people are like `Wake get out of there' but we're happy to be here and happy to be facing this opponent."
(On playing Maryland after two regular season losses) "Before I even have to send the message to these girls it's already been sent by my team captains. They humble themselves and they know they are one of four teams at this point that has a 0-0 record. We have no focus but Friday night."
(On Syracuse defeating Maryland in regular season) "Absolutely not, it's the second week of the season. You can look at it, Iowa had us up 0-2 in the first half the first game of the season. Teams are, even though the style may be the same, a lot of growth and we've done a lot of growth since then."
(On realizing the importance of the Final Four) "It's a great point Michelle (Kasold) makes because so many things are asked about these kids and they feel incredible pressure to continue the tradition. I have so much respect, they are not afraid of that, they're not afraid because they know what's at stake. They don't play the game afraid to lose they play the game because they love it, they have so much passion. I think what they do best I haven't seen this in a long time they rally their players and they let them know regardless of the circumstances this is all about what we do. We love to play hockey and we're not going to be professionals and we just do this in our part time being students so, let's make sure the enjoyment and the process of all of this stays in tack. They've got this bulls eye on their head and everybody is looking to ripe it. We ourselves don't put it there if they want to put it there that's fine, but we're going to run."
Wake Forest Senior, Minou Gimbrere
(Describing Wake Forest as a team) "I would describe us as a team. First of all it's always fun playing. If we play and have fun then everything clicks. A lot of different people score with us so it shows how we really play together. That's how I feel on the field."
(On first time playing Syracuse) "I love playing teams that you don't know because you're really just going out there with your own game plan. I think both teams will play how you always play. I really love it especially now in this final four and we're seniors it feels like a completely different final four especially when you play a new team it's completely new so, I'm excited."
(On playing in the United States) "Before I came here I really had no idea where I was going. I was just going because I thought it would be fun. Halfway through the season I realized how fun it was competing. It really is like a family."
Wake Forest Senior, Michelle Kasold
(Describing Wake Forest as a team) "I like our team because it's spontaneous you never know what's going to happen with our team, that's kind of the fun of it. On the field too you never know who's going to put the goal in or make the diving save. Everyone is working as hard as they can, it could be anyone and that's what's exciting that everybody plays a big role."
(On first time playing Syracuse) "I obviously have never played Syracuse and there's a lot of teams we never get to play because we only have some many games in our college career but I know I'm really excited to play a new team and to see what other teams have out show out there and to play these other players that I hear so much about. I'm just excited to go out and compete and have a great competition."
(On realizing importance of Final Four) "For me it was definitely right after the Virginia game as soon as the clock ran out I said `we're going to Louisville.' I can't explain it in words how it felt its different than any other year. I think that game in and of itself showed what we have. To comeback and work that hard and to show that we really wanted it and we'd do anything to get it. To see my teammates work that hard knowing that we did it. It was priceless for me."
Syracuse Head Coach, Ange Bradley
"We're excited to be at our first final four and going after a national championship."
(On Louisville as a host site) "I was here once in Louisville for a football game so, I really didn't get a chance to see much of the arena. They have been wonderful hosts thus far, the field is beautiful and its wonderful to be playing in a conference's home court, which is good for us."
(On motivating the team) "We don't really focus on our opponents, we focus on ourselves, it's about us. Being in the position to play another game and play for 70 minutes. We don't look at anything but ourselves. It's about the 2008 hockey team, what records can we write, and what we can do together."
(On BIG EAST competition preparing Syracuse for NCAA tournament) "The BIG EAST is good competition and to be able to get that first championship under your belt builds confidence. Last weekend was a great experience, having the opportunity to play an overtime game, in a difficult first round game against UMASS. It's been really a great experience for us."
(On Syracuse gaining confidence) "I think our spring is what gives us confidence. We work really hard while other people are resting and we push the kids. We train so hard during the off season probably harder than in the in season. When we had the opportunity to beat Michigan State and Maryland it validated all the hard work that we did in the spring and prior. It's just another game, Maryland was a huge win and then you come back and play Delaware was probably the bigger thing with character after a win like that."
(On Maryland's Missy Meharg as a mentor) "Missy has been just great. We played college ball together when I was out at Iowa she called me and said `come on back home.' She's been a great friend, like an older sister for me from our days in college. She's been a mentor in the coaching world and just great in helping. She's a big part of me being where I am today."
(On Syracuse mental focus) "Our kids are so young and so new at all this. Some of them think they are just at a tournament and there are varied responses. We really focus on what's next, taking it one day at a time, and not making anything bigger than the 2008 Syracuse field hockey team. That's our main focus."
(On Syracuse's road success this season) "I think it's just a being in a situation where I can control. I can really keep the group intact from distractions. You have their time and their attention."
(On Shannon Taylor) "Shannon through her career has had a lot of struggle. She started out at Richmond, she wasn't heavily recruited. We got her at Richmond and she ended up making the Under 21 team. She's really a blue collar worker she has a passion for competition and really likes to win. She's a tough kid she has a physical presence that's really strong. She probably hits the ball close to 95 miles per hour. She's just a presence out on the field."
(On Taylor transferring from Richmond with her) "It's an honor that she took so much pride it what we'd done together. I'm so happy for her to have had the senior year she had after all the sacrifices for this team and for herself."
(On realizing the importance of getting to the final four) "It was way after the Princeton victory. I was in my car driving home and was like `wow we're going to the final four!' In 20 years of never making it as an athlete. And as assistant, we were fortunate to do it twice at Maryland and it's just amazing. I don't want it to be our last. I want it to be the first of many. That's what our team is preparing to do, set a standard for all other Syracuse teams to follow."
