University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn vs. Iona Postgame Quotes
12/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 20, 2009
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Head Coach Geno Auriemma
Are there certain things when you face a team coached by Tara Vanderveer that makes the team unique?
"The one thing that stands out is how disciplined they are. That has always been my impression by Tara's teams. They play a type of a game in which they take advantage of you if you do not play disciplined and they will take you apart. They capitalize on any mistake a team makes. They don't beat themselves, you have to go out there and beat them. They do not make silly mistakes. They will not self destruct; you have to go in there and beat them."
Tara has expressed interest in extending the two teams play for the future, do you believe the University has had any discussions with Stanford?
"I'm sure they have. I would love to play them. They are a good team. We have been involved and keep getting involved with recruits from California so I would welcome that. It would be great for me, great for our players, and great for the recruits that we recruit from that area. There is no downside to it."
Junior Guard Maya Moore
On first half play
"We came out slow. We weren't happy with out performance, especially in the first five minutes. I thought midway through the first half that we just got aggressive, got in the passing lane, got some good momentum plays and made defensive stops. Anytime our defense picks up, the rest of our play picks up."
What's going to be different about the Stanford game?
"We just are going to have to be really focused. We're not going to change; we are going to keep working hard. We're going to keep practicing long. It's going to be a battle on Wednesday. We are going to take it one day at a time and start with practice tomorrow."
Senior Guard Megan Gardler
What impressed you about UConn's first half defense when you and Kelly Farris were in the game and you were forcing turnovers?
"We've been practicing the press a lot this week and coach stressed being up on the ball and forcing turnovers. That is just what we try to do. It is easier when you are on the bench and you are coming in and you see what the people in front of you are doing wrong, so you can adjust to fix it. I think that Kelly (Farris) and I just try to do that."
How happy are you with your role on this team right now?
"I am really excited because I had a hard summer; I had a hard beginning of the season. I just really tried to focus and step into the role that Coach wanted me to fill. Our bench isn't very deep, so I am just trying to give us as many weapons as possible going into the games when it will matter the most."
