March 19, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Pregame Quotes
Beth Dunkenberger, Virginia Tech Head Coach

On DePaul: I'm trying to figure out what they don't lead the country in. I know it's scoring, and rebound margin and assists. You name it, they are a high-powered offensive team. Our big concern is trying to slow them down and not let them have big scoring runs like they've done all year long.

On stopping Khara Smith: She is a huge problem, but they've got five players that average in double figures. So it's not like you can focus on just stopping one player and you win the game. They've got any number of players that can step up and drop 20 on you, so we've got to find a way to slow her down but we can't let two or three others step up and hit 20 on us as well.

On having played in the Comcast Center: When you get to this point in the NCAA Tournament I don't think it really matters where you play, teams show up ready to play. Yes we were here a few weeks ago and yes we did play well. In the back of our kids mind I hope that plays a factor, but I can't imagine it's going to be that much of an advantage.

Senior Forward/Center Erin Gibson
On rebounding from loss to Wake Forest in ACC Tournament: Obviously we are going to try and put that game in the past and come out as strong as we possibly can. DePaul is very good. They have a good guard game and post game, so we have to come out strong and play with the capabilities that we have.

On making her fourth straight trip to the postseason (3 trips to the NCAA Tournament, one WNIT trip): I'm very thankful to be here once again. We have a good team at Virginia Tech. I think it is important not only for me, but for our program and it attests to how good we really are. I think if we play hard we can beat anybody. Junior Forward Kerri Gardin
On rebounding from loss to Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament: In the ACC Tournament I don't think we were as focused as we should have been to get the job done. Since that loss we have come together and focused and we've talked about what we want to do. I think we're just ready to come out and play hard and make up for what happened in the ACC Tournament.

Junior Guard Dawn Chriss
On having played in the Comcast Center: I wouldn't say an advantage, but we've played here before and that will help with our confidence coming into the game. We just want to be ready to come out and play wherever we play.