May 22, 2010

Illinois Head Coach Terri Sullivan
Opening Statement:
"Well we got our offense going, that was the game plan today, and hopefully that will stay with us the rest of the tournament.  Monica [Perry] put us in a good position to do what we needed to do and not let them get started early with executing their game plan which is stealing bases and putting the ball in play and creating havoc.  We got it done and now it's just business and on to the next one."

On the game plan against Missouri:
"At this point, we need to hit a little bit better and get aggressive, but our game plan is not going to change.  I'd rather our team focus on what we need to do.  Missouri's a good team and they're where they are at for a reason, but I'd like us to see us focus on our business.  We expect them to bring it.  They're on their home field and feeding off the enthusiasm of the crowd.  We need to just focus on what we need to do and not so much them."

Illinois Outfielder Hope Howell
On the pitching she has faced to this point:
"Well I don't think its any surprise that I struggled against this pitcher the past two games.  I got to the plate hoping that anything I would've chased in the last game would be right in the middle for me.  Like coach said, our back was against the wall and that gave us a sense of urgency, it didn't matter who they put out there."