May 8, 2015
South Carolina Head Coach Beverly Smith
Opening Statement…
“First, I’d like to thank LSU and the SEC for putting on a fantastic tournament. I thought it was very well run and organized and really first class. We certainly wished we were here playing a little bit longer, but we definitely ran into a top notch Florida team. They’re a good team. We certainly could have played better. I felt that our defensive presence earlier was poor, but I liked the way our kids were swinging the bat. That was our main thing was that we wanted to make sure we didn’t get cheated at the plate. I think in that last inning you saw what we were capable of doing offensively.”
On how the SEC Tournament helps the team for postseason play…
“I think winning against Texas A&M was big for us. They were higher than us in the RPI. It was a Top 25 win, so I’m hoping that the committee takes note of that when they’re looking at postseason play, but I certainly like our chances in postseason. We’ve got a great body of work, and we’re looking forward to it.”
On where the team has improved the most from the start of the season…
“I think for us, it’s the maturity process. I’ve really seen our team grow this entire season. Last time we were at Florida and dropped three, we won four SEC series. I saw a lot of growth and improvement in our team and a lot of fight. We just ran into a really good Florida club, they’re tough. I feel pretty confident that we won’t run into anybody better than them in the regional. I like the way our team has matured over the year. We’ve learned a lot and playing in this tournament does nothing but get us prepared for postseason.”
South Carolina LF Alaynie Page
On the team’s performance during today’s game …
“Like Coach (Smith) said, I think coming out we were very flat, and I don’t think our presence was very, it wasn’t our game softball presence. I think that that was what got us early, and we kind of calmed down, started playing ball a little bit better and swinging the bat. I just wanted our team to fight. At that point, whether we won or lost, I just wanted us to fight for that. I think we did that last inning.”
On the SEC season preparing the team for NCAA Tournament play …
“I agree with Coach (Smith). I think that SEC is really good, top notch teams, and you got to get through Florida. That’s what you’ll face in super regionals, teams like that. I think it prepares us going into NCAA, and I think we are ready. We just need to play ball.”
On how the team handled the rain delay…
“We just want to dance and try to keep our mindset right. I think that if we have fun, we play loose. I think we’re focused, but we’re trying to have fun. It’s tough for the rain delay, but (ESPN’s) Holly Rowe came over and let us put our rally caps on.”
