May 16, 2002
SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD COACH JOYCE COMPTON
“We knew that this was going to be a hard-fought game. Their pitcher did a great job of getting pitches when she needed them. We did a great job in the last inning of getting a runner on board and picking up the two-out hit. I feel really confident when we’re starting a rally and getting runs with two outs..
(on getting the win) “Winning the first NCAA Tournament Game is a relief. This team needed to get the win after the way we ended the season with two losses at the SEC Tournament. Not looking back, we needed this win to get our confidence back.”
SOUTH CAROLINA PLAYER MEGAN MATTHEWS
(on achieving her 100th career win) “I didn’t even think about that. I just wanted us to win period. We needed to come out and win to get our confidence back.
(on how her arm feels) “This is it for me (as a senior). I’m going to go until it falls, which it won’t do. I’m not going to stop now.
SOUTH CAROLINA PLAYER MEGHAN Cornett
(On hitting the game-winning RBI) “When I was up at the plate, I realized that we had to win this game. I didn’t let any negative thoughts enter my mind. I just got in there and got the hit.
“Our seniors have provided such great leadership all season that we have to do it for them.”
Eastern Kentucky Head Coach Jane Worthington:
“Defensively I think we played very well. Jonelle [Csora] pitched a great game. We just did not hiut the ball. We are better hitters then we showed out there. I don’t know if it was nerves but we were chasing some pitches that were out of the zone. Overall I can’t be upset with the score and the way we played, but unfortunately when you get that close you just want to win.”
Eastern Kentucky Pitcher Jonelle Csora:
“I think we almost showed how good we are. We came a run short of showing how good we are. We played well, but we didn’t hit the ball. You can throw a no-hitter, but the team still needs to hit the ball. I expect us to do well in the next game. We are a good team and are having fun.”
