POSTGAME QUOTES
5/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 23, 2004
Illinois head coach Traci Sullivan
"We would all like to congratulate LSU. It's tough coming out of this region, and that is what makes going to the World Series so special. But they are a balanced team, and offensively that really got it done today. I am very proud of our team, and our first group of seniors. Theyhave really set the tone of how we want our program to be in years to come."
On seniors
"I call them the intangables. They are so coachable, and they have been very deticated. They have great enthusiasim, and are unselfish players. That is what gets you places as long as you have talent to go along with it."
"We are really proud of our team. It was a great region to be at, and we want to thank Baylor and everyone involved on running a very classy tournament."
Illinois pitcher Amanda Fortune
On starting the program off
"We came in as freshmen and didn't know anything. We took everyone by suprise. A lot of it has to do with hard work, and that we enjoy playing with each other."
"I felt pretty good today. Once you get on the field you really don't feel anything, so fatigue wasn't factor today. We've played them before, and it was pretty much the same lineup. They are strong hitters and congratulations to them."
LSU head coach Yvette Girouard
"This is a team that wouldn't be denied. There are so many storylines in this team. At the beginning of the year we had kids that had struggles on the field that they had to conquer, and they did. And to end it with a strikeout by Schmitty its the epitome of of what she's done this year. She has taken every challenge that we've given her, and (Leslie) Klien has been about as on fire as you can get."
"I would like to thank Baylor. I think they did an excellent job of hosting."
"I'm going to let them rest a little. We are going to bus out tomorrow. I told the girls before we left Baton Rouge we are bussing straight to Oklahoma, so pack your bags until the end of the College World Series becuase we are not coming back. That has been our game plan since we left. Oklahoma is going to have a good time becuase the Tigers are coming to town."
LSU pitcher Kristen Schmidt
"I felt pretty strong in the bullpen, and I felt like I kept getting stronger throughout the game."
"Being at Regionals every year and finally winning my senior year is incredible. I don't think it has hit me yet."
LSU third baseman Julie Wiese
On home run
"Just like coach always says we are not a team of superstars. We don't rely on one person, and every game you'll see someone different step up. I am glad I was able to do that today. Next game it will be someone else's turn, and that's what so good about our team."
"It's a dream come true. Going (to the World Series) my freshman year I got a little taste of it, and it was the biggest letdown not to go the next two years. Once you get a taste of it, you can't be satisfied at the end of the year if you are not at the World Series. This is the best way I could go out."
LSU shortstop Lauren Delahoussaye
"I haven't been hitting but it doesn't really matter. The team has been taking care of it. As an individual I just want to get a hit and help the team."
