2006 NCAA Softball Regional Media Day
5/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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| 2006 NCAA Regional |
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Ga. Tech Audio | Alabama Audio | Miss. Valley State Audio | Florida A&M Audio
Quotes
Georgia Tech head coach Ehren Earleywine
"We're thankful just to be asked to a regional tournament and really pleased that we're coming to Alabama. They always to a first class job hosting. There is good competition here and it's fairly close to our home. But like I said before, we're excited just to have an opportunity to play in the post-season. There were a couple of points during the season where we hit some dry spots and we didn't know if we were going to be here or not so we are thankful for the opportunity and we're looking forward to playing tomorrow against FAMU."
On Prior Meeting with Alabama at Lead-Off Classic
"It was so early in the season, we saw a pitcher in (Chrissy) Owens who we don't foresee them throwing at us if we see them on Saturday. So we're going to see a completely different pitcher and a very different team, too, in regards to their swings. Things change through the course of the season and I know that my players have made a lot of adjustments through the course of the year. It's really hard to gauge a whole lot on what we did against them at the Lead-off Classic."
On Team's Offensive Prowess
"We've had to hit our way out of a lot of jams. We've had a young pitching staff and one that has had to learn on the fly. We haven't played great defense, so we've had to hit our way out of a lot of jams. I feel fortunate in that sometimes you get in those types of situations and you press and think you have to score 10 runs to win and end up doing just the opposite. But our team has stayed relaxed and overcome that pressure of having to score runs. We absolutely wouldn't be in the position that we are in now if they hadn't put up the offensive numbers that we have."
Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy
"Like I said Sunday afternoon, this never gets old, especially hosting. I think it's the most exciting time of the season. For me personally it's the best time of the year. With all the excitement of the NCAA Tournament; the selection show, all the wondering of where you're going to go and who you're going to play is an exciting time and we're looking forward to it."
On Other Teams at Regional
"FAMU and Miss. Valley State both ran through their conferences. Georgia Tech, is in the ACC, a very good conference; I think it is in the top-5 RPI. You have a lot of potential SEC vs. ACC match-ups. It is going to be fun to see what happens throughout the weekend."
On Pitching Staff
"We're still discussing that. I'm lucky because I do have flexibility. All three coaches and the entire team trusts whoever goes out there. It's just a luxury that we have and there shouldn't be a case of anyone getting tired this weekend."
Miss. Valley State head coach Lee Smith
"Glad to be back here. It is our second year in a row to play here and it feels like home now. We feel like this is a facility that is kind of close to us right now. It's like coming back here and is like being at home."
On Familiarity with Alabama
"We've played in the same regional (as Alabama) for three years in a row and played over here at the beginning of the season, I feel like we have (developed) a bond or some type of relationship with the two programs."
On His Team's Strengths
"One of the things for us is that our defense has improved by being in very tough situations with the bases loaded and by not giving up any runs and not panicking. We've found ways to give ourselves a chance to win. Basically, going into the post-season we are coming off our conference tournament where we played well defensively. It all starts with us. We have to play a good defensive game and go out and have fun while doing it at the same time."
Florida A&M head coach Veronica Williams
"First of all, we are glad to be here and our objective is to take this back home to Florida. We hope to come up here and have a competitive series."
On Her Team
"This unit has team chemistry. I have three seniors and the team decided to dedicate and play for the seniors this year."
On Unbeaten Conference Season
"It does give us a lot of confidence coming into the regionals, but we still know that we have to play the kind of game we are capable of playing."
