Colorado University Athletics
NCAA Tournament Quotes
December 05, 2014 | Volleyball
COLORADO HEAD COACH LIZ KRITZA
PLAYERS: Nicole Edelman S, Taylor Simpson OH, Gabby Simpson S
Opening Statement
“We are honored and happy to be advancing to the second round. That was a battle. A lot of times the score does not reflect how difficult the game is played on the court. Credit to UNC, and Lyndsey (Oates), she did a really good job, they are a well-coached team. I am really proud of my players and my staff for coming back after we dropped that set. It was a deuce set and it was a part of volleyball being played at the highest level. I am glad we came back and responded the way we did, and we came back to our form. We are happy to be moving forward.”
On whether UNC showed anything different than they did on film prior
“No, I have a really good group of people that help prepare this team. The assistant coaches go out and we watch as much video as we can collect. The players can talk about this too, we knew what they were going to do, and it doesn't mean that the game plan is always easy to execute. When you have a team that is versatile and pressures, your serve-receive the way they were, serving in particular rotations, sometimes it's hard to get out of certain rows, and credit to them they capitalized on certain matchups.”
On the third set, which UNC won
“They pinned us into a couple of rotations, and we could not side-out. They did a good job being aggressive, making our players who were scoring points for us offensively handle the ball as well. They made them pass and swing and the different matchups, there was a different look on the floor. I think it's a matter of us not getting stuck out of rotations and really matching them (UNC) point-for-point. That is there forte and they are a really aggressive team and they tested us in that third set, but I am glad we came back and finished.”
On whether the Pac-12 competition helps prepare them for the tournament
“The schedule helped us. I want to say we are battle-tested in a way because we have played the Washingtons and the Stanfords and it's tough to play those teams night in and night out, so credit to our schedule because that helped us pull out a win tonight.”
On a CSU vs. CU matchup, hypothetically, if CSU prevailed in second match
“CSU and CU is a big rivalry, and we know they get huge crowds for volleyball. It's an electric atmosphere, but it's nothing we haven't been through. We played at Oregon and they had a huge crowd, and other places with huge crowds as well, so I think we are ready for tomorrow.”
On being recruited by both CU and CSU
“Well, it's been a little different coming here and seeing it now that I am in college, but tomorrow, if CSU wins (tonight), it will be an interesting game for me.”
On staying focused and not looking ahead
“I think it's really important, regardless of where the venue is. It's easy to look ahead for any team, because if you keep moving on you play the bigger names I think it is really important to us and we are happy we got the win tonight and we are ready for the next round.”
On performance in the first round
“It gave me a lot of confidence going into tomorrow's game whether we play DU or CSU and the setters did a nice job tonight distributing the ball. We are ready for tomorrow.”
Head Coach Liz Kritza
On the quick back-to back NCAA tournament matches
“I think that playing the No. 2 team, then the next night a Top 10 team or ranked opponent will serve us well. It's difficult, and Taylor alluded to it, the other girls up here will agree with it, but preparing for one team at a time is essential to success. Everybody is wanting a national championship, everyone that advances wants to win as long as they can, and play as long as they can, but the only way to do that is one match at a time. Once you are finished and you come off the court, the conversation needs to be about you having athletes that are serious about their craft. They have to take care of themselves. I have a great sports med and strength and conditioning staff and their jobs are to make sure the team's bodies are recovered and my job and the assistants are to make sure they are mentally prepared.”
On Centennial State matchups in the NCAA Regional
“I think it's great. I think it's such a unique atmosphere, and event. I don't think it's happened since I have been here. I am from Colorado and I was thinking how great would it be growing up being able to watch four of the top college teams competing. This is something special. With these teams performing at such a high level this becomes very neat, and it becomes about being prideful in the state and we are honored to be a piece of it.”
On the team's offensive talent
“Everyone who plays us knows Taylor and Alexis carry a big load for us because they are such great players. It really depends on matchups, if we have three to four hitters where ever they are scoring for us it will help us a lot.”
