Quotes by John Chernick

“The girls were really excited for the opportunity (playing for the title). We went back a lot of years in the program and we couldnt ever find us playing for an in-season tournament championship anywhere. We had a real good idea what Marquette was going to do. I dont know if it was fatigue, but we just missed some shots in the third quarter and let them get a little distance between them and us.”

“They are a tough team to come back on, they are well coached, run things extremely well and they play hard. My hats off to them, they deserved it ... they won tonight. It was what a championship game should be all about. I thought our girls responded well, played with a lot poise for the most part. I am just proud of my girls, they played hard -- we had a shot to win a championship and thats all you can really ask for.”

“This was a missed opportunity for us. I was extremely proud of the girls effort tonight. We just didnt hit enough shots.”

“Coaching them is a pleasure. Thats why when they come out and have a half like that, its like you dont know what to do because you dont see it very often.”

“We challenged the girls at halftime to step up.”

“The effort was there and that just kind of sparked us. Once we got that it was contagious.”

“This is a smart team. When you tell them something, they go out and do it or at least try to do it. It was a credit to our seniors. Christina didnt have a good shooting night but had a good floor game. For some reason, we all battle it. You kind of forget what got you there.”

“Its a nice start for the second half for us. Were 2-0 in the new year and, hopefully, we can keep it going.”

“I called time out and I asked the girls if anyone was worried. They werent.”

“She seemed to be a step slow. Sometimes you need to sit down, get your thoughts and watch the game a little.”