May 17, 2014

Bradley Head Coach Amy Hayes

Opening statement…
“First off, hats off to Nebraska because they absolutely showed up today. The worst thing that could've happened to us was Nebraska losing yesterday because they showed up today to go for the Regional Championship. I think we gave it a good shot but they came out swinging. We got behind early and didn't quite have enough to come back.”

On Bradley's season as a whole…
“I believed in this group for a long time. We made the run in '09 and we had some great players but what we've been able to do since then is build on that. This team is really special and I think they've actually created the foundation we need to carry out more every year. It brought a lot of pride to our program. If you knew these kids, their fight and their work ethic, and knew how they handled themselves on and off the field, you'd understand why this team is special and I think you'll be hearing a lot more from this program”

Bradley P Maddie Lynch-Crumrine

On what it was like experiencing postseason play for the first time with this team…
“It's been amazing. Our bats turned on at the right time in this tournament. They saved me a few times. It just gave us that momentum. The difference between this year and past years is that we believed we could go to postseason and win. Our hearts and minds were in it and nothing could stop us this year.”

On what it was like having a comeback season but not advancing farther…
“Obviously everyone wants to come out and play a close ball game, especially when it's the last game of their career. We gave it everything we had and they just came out to play and just really (crushed) the ball. Hats off to them.”

On the mentality of the team is after falling behind…
“Just not giving up. In every game, our conference tournament, and even yesterday, we've come from behind, so it's one of those things we've done before. It's just believing and knowing in our hearts that we're not going to give up until that final pitch and final out is done.”