University of Minnesota Athletics
Postgame Quotes
3/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Minnesota Head Coach Marlene Stollings
Opening statement:
"Credit to South Dakota, they came in with grit and we knew that having watched them on the scout that they won a lot of games this year for a reason and they're tough. They shot the ball really well from the 3-point line and we weren't solid in defense coverages. Nothing new that they did but just we didn't get there with strong enough contests at times. I want to talk about these three seniors up here briefly and what they've meant to this program in my short time here. It's just been two years. Tremendous. You're looking at two young ladies (Mikayla Bailey and Shayne Mullaney) who made an NCAA Tournament and stuff that they had not accomplished previously. And then you're looking at Rachel Banham who has done stuff in the NCAA this year, much less Minnesota, that hasn't been done in the history of NCAA and obviously in the history of Minnesota women's basketball. So, like we just said to them in the locker room, they have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to reflect upon after today. Today is going to be really hard for them but again credit to South Dakota and we wish them well as they progress through the tournament."
Rachel Banham
On her final season as a Gopher:
"It was a really fun season, a lot of ups and downs and we fought through a lot of adversity. I think one of my favorite games would be the Ohio State game for senior night. We upset the number five team in the nation and that's always fun. I think that's something I'll remember most from this season."
On Sunday's game:
"I was settling too much for the outside game. I should have attacked more and some of those shots were really falling but like I said, I should have been more aggressive and probably worked more to get to the line and get deep in the wing and look for more kicks, just stuff like that, being more aggressive. I was settling too much."
Shayne Mullaney
On the game and her career:
"Yeah we had some good momentum there in the second half and I thought we were going to get them there but they're a good team and they're a great rebounding team. It's unfortunate that we couldn't get the win today but I'm just thankful for all the great memories that I've had in Williams in the last four years, it's been some of the best four years."
South Dakota Head Coach Amy Williams
"Team I love to coach every day and they love playing together and we're really excited to continue that and move onto the next round."
On the Coyotes' offensive rebounding:
"We make that a goal of ours to have relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds every single game. We knew with their zone defense that there were maybe going to be some chances to crash the offensive boards and we were able to come out with a good amount, and second chance points are always going to be a big keeper."
On the game plan and facing Rachel Banham:
"Our game plan was to do everything we can to slow her and have a team effort to do that. But also to be confident and be ready to step up and make plays offensively. Fortunately, we had a lot of people that were willing to contribute and that for us.
