March 27, 2009
Head Coach Brenda Frese:
Opening Statement:
"We're very excited obviously to be here and be in the Sweet 16. Obviously to be in Raleigh, an area that we know extremely well, given our conference. And an opponent that we know very well, given the fact that we played Vanderbilt last year in the same round of the Sweet 16. We're excited to be here, we've been working really hard, and we're excited about the matchup for tomorrow."
On last year's Vandy game tape:
"You always go back and look on film to see how the game unfolded. But we're a different team and so is Vanderbilt. You always want to, at this time of year, go through as much film as possible."
On where team is mentally:
"I think we're coming into the tournament obviously playing some of our best basketball. I just love the fact that we're clicking on all cylinders. I think a lot of people think that we're doing a lot of special things with our seniors, but I think the exciting thing is how well everyone's playing. Each and every player is stepping up and playing with a lot of confidence. Our young kids have gotten a lot of experience in these first two rounds. I think that's a great thing that we're playing so well as a team."
On Barrett and Rodgers:
"I think obviously the ACC Tournament kind of was their coming-out party, in terms of what they are able to do for our team. Two kids that I think have really been special to watch. Two kids that came in (as) talented players last season but due to injuries their season was cut short and they had to red-shirt. Even though they're freshmen this year, they're truly like sophomores. I think they've really helped us in terms of establishing a bench, having depth, and they're two great players, two great energy players coming off the bench and doing the things they've been able to do for us."
On Vandy's lack of size in post:
Now all of a sudden, you're defending a perimeter player with a post player, so I think that's where your matchup problems are. Defensively trying to match up, and for them, they've got to try to match up on us. It's two different dynamics, and one is going to win
On Toliver and Coleman:
"Two things I can think of right away. On the court, they know where each other is at, every second, every minute of play that they're out there. They'll make plays that as a coach you don't even see coming. They can make a pass knowing that they're behind them at the opposite end of the floor. They just have kind of a sixth sense when they're out on the floor with each other. The other component is their leadership in the locker room. It's been fun as we have had our coaches' shows just to hear their voices in the locker room at the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament what they're doing, what they're saying to our young kids to get them ready to go."
On Louisville coach Jeff Walz:
During the season this time of year, in my little world right now I barely have enough time to talk to my husband. We're kind of in our world of coaching right now. But I am really pleased and really proud of what Jeff's been able to do at Louisville. Obviously he's been able to take that program and take it to greater heights. Any time you have assistant coaches that are able to go on from our program and be very successful is an exciting thing. It's great for Louisville, it's great for their team and their program."
Marissa Coleman, Sr./G/F
On Jennifer Risper in the post and what have to change:
"It's going to be a challenge to stay off the foul. She likes to get you in the area and then draw fouls, She might play with a chip on her shoulder because she is a 5'9" post player. It's going to be a challenge for me tomorrow."
On the growth of post player Lynetta Kizer:
"Everybody kept talking about filling the shoes of our past players, and they want to make a name for themselves. Lynetta came in and worked extremely hard. Kristi and I have been in her ear all season and our success is going to come down to them. It's not just about us two, they're part of our success as well."
Kristi Toliver, Sr./G
Do you see a change in the Vanderbilt team from last year?
"They're very similar, but their post presence isn't nearly as strong as it was last year. They're smaller but they run the same stuff and the same style. It's all about playing smart, taking care of the ball, and running through the motions. It'll be a similar game plan, but hopefully we'll be able to execute it like we did last year."
On the game for guards:
"For us we don't like to change anything offensively. We like to establish a post presence and expose the lack of bigness they have. They're small and they like to run. Will it be a game for the guards? For me it's always a game for the guards. I definitely think we'll get our bigs involved often and early and see how that goes."
On her relationship with Coleman:
"Our chemistry has been there since the beginning. It's only continued to grow. It's frightening how well we know each other's game. Where we want the ball, when we want the ball, and anticipate the next play happening. It's been a process and a growth, but I think it's been there since day one."
