Head Coach Gary Gait Quotes
Syracuse Women’s Lacrosse
Syracuse vs. Cornell
April 15, 2009
Carrier Dome/ Syracuse, N.Y.
Head Coach Gary Gait
Opening remarks:
“It was another one of those games where we played very well in the first half and executed. We just lost a little composure and came out a little flat in the second half. Once again, when the chips were down and we were making mistakes, they (Cornell) stepped up and made some big plays. Give them credit for that. Again, I think the effort was there, it’s just a few mistakes. We will go back to the drawing board and what we do at halftime and prepare us so we are ready and focused. It was a very good, athletic Cornell team and they played hard. This was a big game for them to try and move up and have the opportunity to move forward. We held them off and finished the game and then we move on.”
On what he expected from a young Cornell team:
“We expected them to be athletic and not give up. I think we did a great job taking control, certainly through the first half. But we just gave them some opportunities and they took advantage of them in the second half. I certainly expect a young team not to know better and not to give up. They kept fighting and got some opportunities and scored on them. “
On if he is worried about the inconsistencies on defense:
“No, we are still making some adjustments back there with personnel. Anytime you have a player out that was a key part of your defense and had great leadership, you are going to have to adapt to it. We got a couple of other players in there today and it’s just going to take a little time to adjust. “
On the senior class:
“The senior class has been a great class. They are exceptional. I stepped in here last year as the coach and they bought into what we wanted to do. They showed great leadership and composure with the coaching change in the middle of their career. They continue to excel. They are the heart and soul of this team and we will rely on them heavily for the rest of the stretch. Hopefully, we will have a lot more lacrosse for them to step up and enjoy, and they will execute and keep playing.”
On this game being similar to the game against Notre Dame:
“I thought the first half went well, we had some good execution. Awehyio (Thomas) was stepping up, coming off the picks well. I think she had four goals cutting through the middle. We had some nice plays in the first half. I think we just need to practice a little more under pressure and be ready to execute when being pressed out. I think if we can get through that, then we will be in great shape. “
