Feb. 7, 2008
Vanderbilt Head Coach Melanie Balcomb:
On building a big lead early:
“It was due to defense, defensive intensity and rebounding. Our gameplan was guarding the ball with one person, keeping them in front and then checking out. We didn’t start out great offensively by any means. When you play good defense and you keep getting stops, then your offense starts to relax. You have to be relaxed on offense to make shots.”
On the team’s 6-2 start in Southeastern Conference play:
“I thought this team could be the best defensive team that we’ve had and we just weren’t doing that early. I think we really can play a very high level of defense and rebound, where our teams in the past were known to outscore people. I think we’ve changed. We’re just different. I didn’t think we could have a better record. As a coach, I’m just focused on one game at a time and it’s just happened that way. Every year your schedule is different so it doesn’t say much being 6-2 right now. We just have to focus on our next opponent.”
On Lauren Lueders:
“She had a tough stretch. She’s been playing really well in practice. This was a great game to get her in and get her some confidence back. She played like she’s been practicing. We weren’t surprised. She hadn’t played in a game that way recently. It’s nice to have her back and shooting it well. She carried herself really well.”