NCAA Super Regionals: Game 1
May 27, 2006 | Softball
May 27, 2006
USF Head Coach Ken Eriksen:
Anytime that you are leaving runners in scoring position early in the game against a quality pitcher like (Anjelica) Selden and a quality team like UCLA, you don't take advantage of opportunities. This game is about taking advantage of opportunities, and we just have to do a better job tomorrow of executing and taking advantage of those type of situations. In all honesty, I thought both pitchers did a great job and made great pitches in crucial situations. Selden made a great pitch to Krista Holle in the sixth inning with the bases loaded. We had the right people up in the right situation for us today. You just have to tip your hat to the other pitcher and congratulate her for doing a good job.
Sophomore pitcher Bree Spence: You are always in situations like that. You have to approach each player and each pitch the same. I've learned so much just watching Angelica and I'm just pleased to be here.
Senior OF Samantha Ray: I don't look at it as a learning experience. I'm a senior so it's a little different for me. Throughout my four years, we've faced the toughest competition in the country. From our first at bat, we wanted to win. We weren't out here trying to learn from them. Today just showed that we can play with the best and tomorrow hopefully we will beat the best.
Coach Eriksen: We realized during pre-game that we could beat them. It's like riding a wave, and it doesn't matter how big the wave is. At the beginning of the season we expected to go 65-0.
UCLA Head Coach Sue Enquist: I'm glad that our team goes out and goes hard. The other team pitched ground balls. Our emotional discipline was excellent. Jelly (Selden) did a good job of competing. You have to tip your cap to USF for competing as well. It's nice to get the first game under your belt. We aren't immune to upsets. We just need to be emotionally disciplined.
Sophomore Pitcher Anjelica Selden
(on difference between this year and last year)
We are taking in the will to win. Last year was a rollercoaster ride, we had the will. Now our talent is showing up consistently. There is nothing that you can do about bloopers except hit your spots and pitch your game better. I've been successful with the inside pitch. I don't normally prepare the night before, I have homework. Before the game, I visualize batters.
Coach Enquist: (In response to the other coaches wave metaphor). We have to be patient for the game to come to you. I have confidence in Angelica to compete. The difference between good and great is the ability to step up at the right time.
Junior 1B Lisa Dodd:
It's a big deal to score late in the game.
Selden: I'm comfortable in clutch situations. I just keep in my routine and try not speed up the game. I don't think about the runners, take it one pitch at a time. I don't usually get nervous in those situations. I like that challenge. It helps to have a great defense behind me. I'm comfortable in those situations.