Colorado-Oklahoma Quotes
August 29, 2015 | Volleyball
Colorado-Oklahoma Quotes
Head Coach Liz Kritza
Opening Statement about win over OU
“We're pleased; I'm really proud of this group and the effort they put forth today. It's not easy playing the No. 9 team at noon, and then playing a team that is just around the top 25 cut off hours later; I think that shows a lot of resilience. I think it shows guts. Credit to this group, they simply would not go down. There were times, in the past, where we would have faded quietly. I love that this group won't allow that—they have bigger goals, bigger plans. Sometimes it just takes a gentle nudge, maybe not so gentle sometimes. I couldn't be happier with them. We are very realistic, we know that we wanted all three [matches] this weekend, so we're going to go back and look at the things we need to do to improve. Teams that are successful, that win championships—when they have success they celebrate it, they enjoy it. It is a big piece of our season. It is a big positive for these players, but we have to go back and look at what we can do better. And we need to make sure that we are doing that when we get back in the practice gym.”
On State Of Team After The Tournament
“They're happy, pleased, and see all of the positives, but they want more and that desire to be the best that they can be and help their teammates. Everybody up here with me did something outside of their comfort zone, outside of what the realm of possible used to be for them, to help us win today. We had some strange things happen; we had to adjust a lot; we had one of our starters go down, and we had to rally the troops. This group did an excellent job of leading. I've got both setters up here; I've got two seniors up here. These types of things you don't train as a coach. You recruit them because this is who they are as humans; they're competitive. I learned that about them. I also learned that this is going to be a really exciting season, because we have a lot of players who can contribute in so many different ways. I think everybody understands and embraces that idea; not just the players we know every match are going to show up every match and play. Everybody has to be ready to go, and that's what makes it fun for the whole group.”
On Starting Strong For The Season
“It's a great start. I think a lot of people are looking at this tournament slate. Even the coaches have this ongoing joke about what we were thinking. It's fantastic for these players. Nobody gets to play this many high-level opponents on opening weekend. I think that ability to take on challenges and do something extraordinary is important for this team. I think they love it; they didn't even bat an eye. They were like let's go coach. As we go into this next week of play we have to all of the positives from it, but we got to go back and make sure we get our serve game on point, make sure our serve-receive is sured up a little more, because we're stepping it up another level. It's a huge honor to be in the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge next weekend. Now we're going to take our business on the road. We've got to make sure that we continually progress. I think the confidence that's gained from these successes, knowing that there's so much more that we can adjust and we can change, is perfect timing for going into a challenge that we're going into next weekend.”
How did it feel to beat Oklahoma four years later [after leaving the Big 12]?
“It's great. These aren't the same players. Anytime you can play a program that had bested you in the past—it's just a very clear objective, tangible view of where the program has come—and the difference in how we were playing then and the level that we can play at now. That's testament to these kids that won today. I'm happy with it; I'm pleased, but they know not to get satisfied because there is so much more ahead of us. We've got a long and exciting season, and were only going to get better.”
Colorado Players
Alexis Austin, Sr., OH
What Does This Weekend Tell You About the Team?
“I feel that we came into today's matches with a chip on our shoulder. The main goal for us was to come out and not give up. What we do need to work on is our consistency, in order for us to keep winning.”
What Worked Well For You Tonight?
“I've transitioned a lot since my freshmen year and now I'm entering my senior year, and the goal is to get smarter and smarter as a player. As my sophomore and junior year came and went, I was able to improve in all aspects of my game. Now I'm at the point where I just need to continue to get smarter.”
Gabby Simpson, So., S
What Does This Weekend Tell You About the Team?
“I think that this tournament showed us that we are willing to dig deep and give it our all. After last night's match, we just wanted to come back and win it.”
Nicole Edelman, Sr., S
What Does This Weekend Tell You About the Team?
“I think it shows that we can play with anyone, which is something that we have to prove every year. All the teams we faced this weekend are great teams that will do great in their respective conferences. I'm just really proud on how we played today and for the entire weekend.”
What Did You Tell the Team After the First Set?
“I told the team that we needed to put that set behind us and focus on the next one. No matter what it is, a set, a game, a match, we need to remember to put stuff behind us and focus on the next task. It's just about us looking forward and making sure the entire team is engaged.”
