March 20, 2004

Senior Guard Morgan Hohenberger
On comparing this year’s team to the 2000-01 squad that made the Final Four run…
“We had Tara Mitchem, who scored 40-something in the Toledo game. Now, we have other players who are willing to step up when they’re called on. We played man-to-man back then and now we’re playing a two-three zone. This year’s team has a lot more to bring to the table.”

On whether she expects a low scoring game in light of both teams’ strong defense…
“It just depends on if we try to run or not, or if we try to slow it down or if they try to slow it down. It could end up being a very low-scoring game because we do have very good defensive teams. It could depend on how each team reacts to the type of tempo that we’re trying to set.”

Junior Guard Jenni Lingor
On the value of experience…
“The experience is valuable for everyone that has been here. We’re coming out this year and we’re not the 15-seed, and we’re not playing Texas Tech. We belong here and we’re going to play Notre Dame. Yes, it’s on their home court, but we’re just going to come out and play as hard as we can.”

On the importance of not being intimidated by the Irish lineup…
“We can’t come out and be intimidated and let them jump on us from the very beginning. We’ve got to come out and compete with them from the tip-off. Hopefully as the game progresses, we’ll get a feel for how they play.”

On the similarities between Notre Dame and the 2002-03 Texas Tech team SMS faced in the tournament last year…
“[Texas Tech] had Plenette Pierson on their team last year, [Notre Dame] has Jacqueline Batteast this year. It’s on their home court, and we know how hard it is to play on the road. Home court is a similarity, as are their great players and their athleticism.”

On game strategy…
“Scoring a lot is fun to watch, but defense and rebounding are really going to determine the game. We could hit one three-point shot as long as we keep them from scoring.”