May 11, 2004
Columbia, S.C. – On Tuesday, USC Softball head Coach Joyce Compton, met with the media to discuss the upcoming SEC tournament, which is being hosted by the University of Alabama, May 13-16. This is the first year that the conference has designated member schools as host sites. The Gamecocks will play LSU on Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m. (EST) in Tuscaloosa.
On member school’s hosting the SEC tournament:
“I like being on the road because of the pressure. This new set up is good because it allows us to play in an SEC atmosphere.”
“We can’t look ahead or worry about anything but LSU. We just need to focus on them and then take it one game at a time after that.
On injuries this season:
“We’ve been somewhat injury prone. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and we are working to improve with the group we have.”
Senior Pitcher Stacey Johnson:
On the season:
“Injuries have been due to us working so hard, but they won’t hold us back. We can’t do anything about the way the season’s been played, but hopefully, we’ll go out with a bang.”
On playing in the SEC tournament:
“Coach has always said ‘Nothing is given…work hard and play well.’ I want to throw my best and give my team a chance to win.”
Senior Outfielder Nancy Crane:
On playing in the SEC tournament:
“The SEC tournament is a time for us to prove ourselves.”
On injuries:
“Injuries hurt us, but in the fall we trained hard to get to this point, and you are only as strong as your weakest link.”
Freshmen Utility McKenna Hughes:
On attending her first SEC tournament:
“I am excited because it’s going to be a new experience playing with all the teams. We have beaten some of the best teams out there, and we are better than our record. We have confidence that we can beat anybody.”
On injuries:
This season, freshmen have really had to step up, and it scares you a little bit, but it feels like you have to redo some things. I was always very comfortable.”
On senior pitcher Stacey Johnson:
“Stacey is a major leader on the team, and I look to her for guidance. She’s been through a lot, and this is their last shot, and I feel like I owe this to them.”
