Oct. 11, 2006
October 11, 2006 – Joyce Center
Head Coach Muffet McGraw
On the role of this year’s freshmen …
“I think that our two freshman guards, Ashley [Barlow] and Melissa [Lechlitner], are going to see quality playing time. Initially, we have a veteran group of guards, so they are going to have to find a role. Melissa obviously will back up Tulyah [Gaines] at the point, and Ashley is going to create her own role. With Tulyah at the point, and Charel [Allen], and Lindsey [Schrader] on the wing, I think it would be tough to break into the starting lineup, but I’m excited about both of them.”
On Lindsay Schrader as a constant on the team …
“Lindsay is going to be somebody who will be a key player for us. She had a great year in ’05-06 and is our top returning scorer and rebounder. She had momentum going at the end of last season, and a great summer in terms of her workouts.”
On the BIG EAST Conference this season …
“The BIG EAST is going to be extremely tough this year. We struggled in it last year, and we had a better team last year. I don’t think there’s a dominant team this year, but Connecticut and Rutgers are always good, as well as Louisville, DePaul, St. John’s and South Florida.”
On being more of a defensive team …
“We have to be. We absolutely have to be a great defensive team. That has to be something we can control. If we play great defense, we don’t have to score as many points.”
On the offensive game …
“With this team, I think we are going to be a little bit better offensively than we were last year, even though we lost two good scorers. This year, we’re going to get more contributions from more people. We have really improved our three point shot – our two freshman guards are both good three-point shooters, Lindsey [Schrader] has worked on her shot, and then, of course, Charel [Allen]. I think we have a few more weapons than we did last year.”
On the lineup …
“We’re going to have a lot more depth and we’ll be able to run people in and out. We’re probably going to play a four-guard lineup. We don’t anticipate playing a lot of double posts, but if [freshmen forwards Danielle Ben-Tsvulun and Erica Williamson] are playing well and that’s what it takes for us to match up against the opponent, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
Junior Guard Tulyah Gaines
On becoming the starting point guard …
“Last year, I was the back-up point guard, so it’s a little different. I just have to keep working hard and play like I know how to play.”
On the graduation of Megan Duffy …
“Megan Duffy was a great player and great leader. We’re going to miss her. I learned a lot from her.”
On being a leader on the floor …
“I try to lead by example and by being vocal. It’s every aspect of leadership when you are the point guard.”
On expectations for the season …
“I think we are going to do great things. We are young, but with a couple of veterans as well. I believe we will do well.”
Sophomore Guard Lindsay Schrader
On becoming a veteran player … “This year, I don’t feel like I am an underclassman. I feel like I can help lead this team.”
On being a sophomore and the leading returning scorer …
“Everyone has increased their skill so much over the summer and preseason that anyone has the chance of being the leading scorer this year. All of us have picked it up tremendously.”
Freshman Forward Danielle Ben-Tsvulun
On learning from other players … “I am learning a lot from Crystal [Erwin]. From an aggression standpoint, she is very strong. I’ve learned a lot from the upperclassmen. I’m using them as learning tools to apply to my game.”
Senior Forward Crystal Erwin
On this year’s freshmen class …
“I feel like they are all rookies and they are all going to make freshman mistakes like I did. But it is hard for me to say who is a good defender, offensive player or rebounder because we haven’t had any official practices. They are all different and have different styles of play. As a team, we just try to talk to all of them about not being nervous and coming out to play just as they would in high school or in their backyard. I think they are all very excited, and we just have to help prepare them to play at a different level.”
Freshman Guard Melissa Lechlitner
On anticipation of the season …
“I’m really exited. I’ve known that I was coming here since my sophomore year. Now that I am finally here, I am getting anxious for the first game to come around.”
On her role this season …
“Basically, I am just going to do whatever the coaches ask of me. They said I was going to be in the rotation. I know, as a point guard, I have to show leadership on the court and know where to go. Right now, I am just focusing on that, and hopefully as we get further into the season, I will earn more responsibility.”
On her defense …
“Coming in, it is such a different strength and speed level. I need work on that end of the game.”
Junior Guard Charel Allen:
On how she has adjusted to the college game … “The biggest adjustment was that I am smaller than everyone. It also has been about adjusting to the strength and speed of the game.”
On her knee injury …
“I remember it like it was yesterday – surgery, rehab, everything. It was very difficult to get over it last year. I didn’t want to miss a game. Mentally, it was tough to get over. It is always in the back of your head, but not so much now.