Feb. 28, 2005
Recap |
Box Score
University of Maryland Head Coach Brenda Freese
On tonight's game:
"Obviously, the game was a little bit closer than we expected, but I was proud of the fact that we kept our composure down the stretch, and were able to close it out. Our defensive intensity was where we need it to be during the last three minutes of the game, but we're still learning at this point in the season that we've got to bring that kind of energy and intensity for 40 minutes. I'm excited that we got some big play out of our seniors. We did a tremendous job in our non-conference season, going 12-1, which is a tremendous accomplishment. It's great to be able to get a win against a very tough Northern Colorado team."
On Northern Colorado's three-point shooting
"We gave them a lot of confidence to start the game when they hit three 3s in a row. We have to understand that when we start the game, we have to come out and be able to shut people down. They run a very different system than we're used to seeing in conference play, so I think it did take us out of our rhythm early on. It took us awhile to be able to adjust. They're tremendous shooters and they work extremely well together."
On Maryland's recent struggles
"Obviously tonight we had a lot of different combinations. We were really trying to get rest for Kalika with her knees, and then Shay went down for a little bit. The disappointing thing is that we're still trying to find our identity defensively. At this point in the season, we need to be a lot further along then where we are. But again, there is a lot of youth and inexperience on this team."
On play of senior Liz Gilchrest
"Liz gives us great energy, and she hit a big three to give us a boost. She did a tremendous job and gave us some really solid minutes tonight."
Anesia Smith
On playing in her final home game
"Before the game, it was kind of sad. In the locker room, we all talked, and a lot of people said some really great things. But when the ball was tipped, it was game time, and that was all I was really thinking about."
On team's second half play
"I was confident that we would pull the game out, but I was disappointed that we allowed it to stay that close."
Liz Gilchrest
On playing time in tonight's game
"I was very comfortable and it was really exciting to be able to play. I love to play, and any time I'm called on, I'll play."
Kalika France
On team's final regular season game
"I was glad that I was ready to play. As a player, you know that you always have to be ready. As a team, we need to understand that for the rest of the year, it's one and done. We need to make sure that we keep our intensity up for all 40 minutes of the game."
