March 13, 2004
Old Dominion University Head Coach Wendy Larry
Opening Comments:"You know sometimes you play your best, but still don't win. I think George Mason played an incredible game today. They played with emotion and passion and for some reason we won. It was a tremendous game."
On keys to today's game:
"I thought hitting free throws was key. I thought we boarded well, but the most important thing was taking care of the ball in the second half. It was really, really critical. We only had two turnovers in the second half. When we didn't take care of the ball in the first half George Mason took advantage."
On team being composed throughout the game:
"We talk a lot about going to battle, in a game sense, and most warriors that are prepared have no fear, they just go. I think we were prepared. Even when George Mason made runs, I never saw fear. There was always a belief in our bench and on the floor that we would win."
On Shareese Grant as MVP:
"I am so happy for her because she's done an unselfish job this year, moving to point guard. She has given up her favorite spot this year. She was aware and I'm just so proud of her. She has done so well taking care of this team."
On team:
I'm so proud of this team. In Colorado we played awful, this year we've come a long way from there. We're excited to be playing in the NCAA. I love this team, their chemistry, their intensity, the way they play. They have been good. I just can't say enough about this team. We've been very lucky and I believe in karma; good things happen to good people."
Max Nhassengo, Senior, Guard
On defending Jen Derevjanik:
"She is there key player. I came out today focused, ready to guard her. That's what I promised my team, to play defense."
Myriah Spence, Senior, Guard
On her hitting her shots:
"I was getting lit up on the other end, so I had to answer back. So if I was open I was going to take it. I knew my team had my back"
On the team's play:
"We have a great team, but we have to get better for the tournament. After Colorado we knew we had to work hard. We came back, worked hard and it paid off and it will pay off next week."
Monique Coker, Senior, Forward
On four CAA Titles:
"This one is very important. You don't want to go three years winning one and then senior year lose; you can't go out like that. People just stepped their game up today. The bench, the floor, it was a team effort."
Shareese Grant, Junior, Guard
On her MVP Award:
"It means a lot. I played point to help my team win the championship. If my shots aren't hitting, I have to play defense. I just have to stay focused."
George Mason University Head Coach Debbie TaneyhillOpening Comments:
"That was obviously a great game, a great championship."
On Old Dominion's Athletes:
"Old Dominion has some great athletes. I think (Monique) Coker is the best player in the conference. Somewhere in that second half, it seemed like we just couldn't get a rebound. We just couldn't keep her off the glass. When she plays us, no matter where it is, she brings her game."
On Jen Derevjanik Game:
"Max (Nhassengo) did a great job on her. Every time she tried to drive in, it was always two people sitting there waiting for her. I think she was just tired. She just doesn't have the quickness advantage against a Max or a Shareese (Grant.)"
On Possibly Playing in the NIT:
"I hope we're in. We certainly want it. Our conference is ranked ninth in the nation and we should definitely be considered. We should definitely be in. I hope this isn't our last game, hopefully we still have another tournament to play."
On Next Year's Tournament at Home:
"I'm glad it is coming to George Mason but you still have to score no matter where you play. You just have to play."