George Washington University Athletics
2/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 26, 2006
NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
February 28, 2006
Charlotte 65
@ GW 69
Postgame quotes
GW Coach Joe McKeown
Are you surprised with the season given the young lineup?
"You have to give them a lot of credit. With seven new players [including] five freshmen, and the schedule we had, I was hoping that we would still be standing by now. But here we are, 20-7, regular season champions. I'm really proud of this group and the way we stepped up."
"We overcame some obstacles. We lost Jessica Adair for a month, we just lost Kennan Cole last week for two crucial games against Temple and Charlotte. Just having freshmen on the floor against teams like Purdue, Texas, and Villanova is great experience for them. You never know if it's going to deflate you or give you confidence. I think we were able to build off those games, and get a little momentum."
They keep adding teams to the A-10, and you keep beating them.
"Yeah, we beat everybody except Massachusetts on the road, and we only played them once. But I think there are six or seven teams in our league that are dangerous. It's going to be an interesting tournament."
What's Keenan Cole's status?
"I think she'll be ready to go Saturday."
On the close first half and end of the game
"We kept switching defenses, but Charlotte kept making shots, and kept running at us. It was a tough game to get control of. You have to give Charlotte credit. They were in first place going into today, they've won 20 games. They're going to be a handful in the tournament too."
Is this game good for building momentum going into the A-10 tournament and beyond?
"I like how we're playing. If we can just get healthy going into the tournament...and I like the leadership we're getting from Jessica Simmonds and Kim Beck. Everybody's 0-0 now but we are playing well. We're one of those teams that has to play together. We can't just walk out of town and make shots and plays. This team really understands that concept."
F Jessica Simmonds
Is being A-10 champions particularly meaningful for you?
"This year, it was really special. We weren't guaranteed a number 1 position. But tonight we came out and just played to the best of our ability. And I think we deserve the A-10 championship."
How important was getting the win in your last home game at GW?
"It was very special. I'm going to miss my teammates, the atmosphere of the gym--everything that goes along with being a George Washington Colonial. I cherished every moment, and we had to come out with a win today."
What are you thoughts on the season?
"This is a very young team. We had some tough times, but we overcame a lot of obstacles. That shows a lot of passion, strength, confidence, and courage. Everything it takes to be a good team, we all contributed and we have a lot of chemistry together. Though we're young, we're very, very strong."
What are your hopes for the rest of your senior year?
"I hope we get a bid [to the NCAA tournament]. We've been struggling, but once we're in there we're going to play to our best of ability and compete. My goal is to get to the Sweet 16 and make it from there. But we have to take it one game at a time, so I'm just taking it as it comes."
F-G Sarah-Jo Lawrence
Did having to win today to get the A-10 championship provide extra motivation?
"I wouldn't have had it any other way. Coming in and knowing you have to win gives you a different mentality. We came out there and did what we had to do. And now we're in the best position you can be in.
On the team compensating for key injuries going into today.
"Our whole had to do that. With Keenan out, those are big shoes to fill. We all had to step up."
