2004-05 TNW vs. Iowa -- Quotes
4/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Michigan Head Coach Bitsy Ritt
On advancing to the championship match as the No. 7 seed ... "It's extremely exciting and we knew that we were very capable coming into the tournament. We liked our draw and we're excited for the opportunity tomorrow. I'm especially proud of our players and how they took it one segment at a time. We talked each day about focusing on the doubles first and then concentrating on singles, and not focusing on the big picture. I think they really did a good job of that. We're very excited and I'm really pleased for our players because they've been able to put together a couple of good wins in a row."
On the steady success of Debra Streifler and Elizabeth Exon in doubles ... "Our No. 3 doubles team has played great all season and especially in this tournament. They've really been energized and we talk about having that energy in all of our positions. They do a great job of getting off to a good start and maintaining that energy throughout their matches. They really give our other two doubles teams a lift and I can't say enough about how they've performed this season."
On Elizabeth Exon's match-clinching performance at No. 2 singles ... "Liz knew what was at stake, but she never mentioned it or talked about it. She looked like she expected the match to come down to her and that she wanted it that way. That's the mentality you have to have. After getting off to a good 3-1 lead, Iowa came back and tied it at 3-3. When Leanne (Rutherford) finished, Liz was up 3-0 in the third, but there was still so much tennis to play. I thought she just did a great job of sticking to her game plan and focusing on her strengths and keeping her composure in a very exciting situation."
On what U-M needs to do to upset Northwestern in the final ... "I think the key is to get the doubles point. The doubles was very close the last time we faced them. We competed well and had some real opportunities; all three matches were very close. We felt that we had chances that we didn't capitalize on. You look at Wisconsin taking the doubles point from Northwestern today, that's encouraging for us. We just need to focus on what we do well and take it one step at a time. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We just have to go out there with that attitude and play as hard as we can and see what happens."
Players Mentioned
