Syracuse Post-Game Quotes
Syracuse vs. Villanova
April 18, 2010
Carrier Dome
Head Coach Gary Gait
On the number of assisted goals:
“Our offense is set up to have a lot of assisted goals and to keep your head up when you’re doubled. They just played well and found those players today. I know they didn’t have quite the pressure they’ve had against other teams, but signs were good and they’ve been listening and learning and have done what they’ve been asked so it was a very good execution today.”
On facing a team that’s record is not as good as other teams Syracuse has faced this season:
“I think the first thing is, if you’re supposed to win a game can you show up and execute and be excited while playing. I think our starters did that - they came out focused and did well When they weren’t getting draw controls they were hustling, causing turnovers trying to get the ball back. I think that’s a lesson to learn in itself – that they can play for themselves and they can hustle and keep energized. It gave us opportunities to see what we had on the bench. It was nice to see us use every player on the team and to see significant playing time from them all.”
On the team being focused, coming out strong against Villanova after Friday’s game against Loyola:
“I think they responded and did what we asked. We need that to continue. I’m happy with today but we travel now (have a game at Cornell).They have to step up and do the same thing. It’s very important how we finish the season. Every game’s a must-win, we’re talking about trying to make the (NCAA)tournament and even the BIG EAST Tournament as well. We have to be sharp, we have to be focused. They were today and hopefully they will be on Wednesday.”
On keeping team focused with so many games in a short period of time:
“We’ve had that this season with games coming in bunches. I think we’ve learned our lesson before when we had a bunch where we came out slow we weren’t ready for it and lost the last game. Now the opportunity is there to make the adjustments to playing multiple games in a short time. It’s how they prepare. We will continue to work on our focus, execution and scouting reports and everything that gets you ready to play. It’s just a matter of how they come together and how focused they are.”
On the strong start to the second half:
“That was the best start to a second half we’ve had in a long, long time. We’ve had some games this year where we didn’t finish the second half as well as we came out in the first half. Today we came with two quick transition goals and that really kept the momentum going. That gives everybody an opportunity to play with confidence that we’re firing with all cylinders and playing well for all 60 minutes.”
On Halley Quillian’s performance:
“We found her when she was cutting and she got some open shots. She’s been working hard on her shooting percentage and picking corners and today she was on. You get many good opportunities early and she’s going to score from that and she did today.
On the upcoming three road games:
“Every game’s incredibly important, especially when you’re supposed to win. It really puts the pressure on you to not let down. That’s our job as coaches, to make sure you don’t have let downs and we’ve had a couple this year. We’re working tirelessly to make sure that doesn’t happen this season. We’re putting the time and doing the work and hoping this pays off as we go through that this week.”
Liz Hogan, Sophomore, Goalkkeeper
On how she stays sharp and makes big saves:
“It’s just staying mentally focused – thinking about your game and imagining that you’re going to make that save.”
On building from her outstanding performances from the last two games:
“It’s just confidence. Once you have it, you don’t lose it.”
Tegan Brown, Freshman, Midfield
On her role helping out on attack:
“It felt good to help the other players. I just wanted to go out strong and go hard, and to have fun. And, today I definitely had a lot of fun.”
On if her strong performance in the last two games helps her confidence:
“Definitely, coming off the last two games my confidence has boosted. I found it gave me the confidence to drive one-on-one and get off those big shots. Coming out and going harder is creating more assists, as well.”
Alex Goldstein, Freshman, Attack
On her first collegiate goal:
“Today was my first time playing for a significant amount of time. I used it as an opportunity to prove myself and show that I can be comfortable on the field.”
Halley Quillinan, Senior, Midfield
On preparing for Villanova after coming off a tough win against Loyola on Friday:
“Getting a good win over a tough Loyola squad gave us our confidence back. We’ve had a lot of tight games – three one-goal games. Friday helped our confidence and we played full speed from the get-go.”
