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2009 NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Galen Center Los Angeles, CA
Practice Day Press Conference Quotes Friday, March 20, 2009
Virginia Coach Debbie Ryan
Opening Statement
“We are very proud and pleased to be here today. It is an honor for us to represent the University of Virginia and the Atlantic Coast Conference.”
“We have a lot of respect for our upcoming opponent, Marist. We feel like they are a tremendous team, a championship team and a team that has given a lot of people a lot of trouble in this particular tournament. We have prepared hard for this and we plan to come out and do our best.”
On what it may take to beat Marist
“I imagine that rebounding will have a lot to do with winning any NCAA game. I think that is an important aspect along with the defense. They have a tremendous motion offense. I just have a lot of respect for (Coach) Brian (Giorgis) and the way that he prepares his teams every year.”
On Marist forward Rachele Fitz
“Fitz is a tremendous player. Fortunately in our league we have a lot of tremendous players, so we can sometimes be able to compare her to some players in our league. She is just such a great finisher around the basket. She can take you out and face up. She is one of the centerpieces of their program.”
Virginia forward Lyndra Littles
On what Virginia will do to have success
“Defense, I think that is what we need to anchor ourselves in. I think if we do that, I think we will be in pretty good shape as opposed to other games that we lost.
“These past two weeks, this team as well as our coaching staff have anchored us to work in the direction of defense. So that is what we are going to do. If we do that I think we will go far.”
Virginia guard Monica Wright
On key to victory against Marist
“I think the key for us to get a win is definitely not going to depend on me and Lyndra or Aisha, it’s going to be the young players. They are going to have to step up big time and contribute.”
On traveling to the West Coast
“I think we are all aware of the responsibilities that we need to take care of while we are in a three-hour time difference. We are staying hydrated and getting the right amount of rest and we are definitely staying off our legs.”