University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina-Tennesseee Postgame Quotes
May 20, 2007 | Softball
May 20, 2007
NORTH CAROLINA
HEAD COACH Donna J. Papa
On the game... "I thought this was a good game between two good teams. Tennessee took the lead early, but we never gave up. We battled to the last at-bat. I thought Danielle Spaulding did a good job on the mound. For us to get six hits off Monica Abbott, especially three in a row there at the end, is great. I am proud of this team and that we battled all game. We didn't come out intimidated; we came to win. I feel good about our chances going forward."
On the last inning rally, did you think about putting in pinch hitters? "Not at that point, it would be too tough. The lineup had faced Monica Abbott twice already so to put someone in that hadn't faced her yet would be tough. Maybe against another pitcher, but not Abbott." On Tennessee's India Chiles... "She is a great player with great speed. She is a threat on base with as many steals as she has on the season. She is the type of player who is going to make something happen. She is a key player and that is a tough loss for Tennessee. I hate to see people go down."
On the challenge of playing again tonight... "At this point in the season, we just try to survive. We have to win tonight to advance to thechampionship game. We've played well this tournament. I think our pitchers have done a nice job and I have confidence in this team. At the same time, we respect every opponent."
FRESHMAN PITCHER Danielle Spaulding On the game... "Tennessee played short ball and it got us out of our rhythm. I knew my defense was there and I just pitched my game."
On facing Tonya Callahan... "She has great power. I tried to mix it up on her and switch speeds."
On facing Monica Abbott... "Having to go from batting to pitching, I had to clear my mind. I didn't do well batting so I had to shake it off and go out there and pitch my game. I wasn't intimidated by her. She is a player like we are. I just tried to do what I can to help this team."
JUNIOR Casey Testa
On facing Monica Abbott... "She is a lot quicker than most people we face. I tried to shorten my swing and stand back to keep her below my hands. Her speed is overpowering and something we don't face a lot. She has a curve ball that breaks into right- handed hitters."
TENNESSEE
OFFICIAL WORD ON INDIA CHILES' INJURY: According to the Lady Vol medical staff, India Chiles' injury in the second inning of today's game is being termed a "right knee sprain" until further diagnostic testing is completed. Chiles will not participate in tomorrow's game(s).
HEAD COACH RALPH WEEKLY Opening statement: "That was the worst game Tennessee's played in the last 25 games. That's taking nothing away from NC, we just didn't even challenge them. They were a good team, their pitcher Spaulding was really good. When I'm talking about us not playing well, I'm talking about us not being able to get bunts down, not being able to steal bases, not being able to execute the very basics. That's not like us, and hopefully we'll come back and play more competitively tomorrow."
"I'd like to give credit to Carolina for taking us out of our game. Carolina and Spaudling were taking us out of our game. I don't want it to come across like we played poorly and that was the only reason it was close. They had to be a big factor in taking us out of our game."
On India Chiles leaving the game: "When...India Chiles (left the game), all the air kind of went out of them. I felt that was a very significant factor. North Carolina found out the same thing about their centerfielder and leadoff hitter a couple of days ago. We both lost really key players. There's a lot of disappointment here."
On bouncing back from losing Chiles: "This is a very good team. We've won 56 games on the year. We have the weapons to compete at any level. We just have to have the mindset. I think (North Carolina) played really well, we just didn't play well. We're hoping it's just one of those kind of games. Some of the credit on that has to go to North Carolina."
SENIOR PITCHER MONICA ABBOTT
On reacting to Chiles' injury: "It was really unfortunate. We all love India very much, but there was nothing we could do at the time. We have a good staff here, they would take care of her, and we have to go out and finish business on the field."
On getting through the seventh inning: "They got some good hits together at the end of the last inning. I just had to come out strong for my team at that point."
JUNIOR INFIELDER TONYA CALLAHAN
On Chiles' injury: "I think it gives our teammates a chance to step up and take her role. Those are big shoes to fill."
On her squeeze in the first inning: "I was just focused on getting that bunt down. I had some problems early in the season with that play, but I was really focused and trying to see it down."
