Nov. 2, 2010
SDSU Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes Aztec Athletics Center
Head Coach Mike Friesen
On facing Wyoming in the first round of the MWC Tournament:
"One of the things we did well in that game was just keeping the ball. I thought we were a little better than they were in that regard, but I anticipate it'll be more of a tough matchup this time. It's always hard to beat somebody twice. I think they'll be a little more prepared this time around; we scored two set goals against them, so they'll look at the tape and try to make sure that doesn't happen again. We'll have to be more creative and get some goals in the run of play, but I think we're ready for the game and the first step in the tournament.
On hosting the MWC tournament this year:
"It's always nice to be at home. I think we've done a good job, especially in conference play, of being a tough team to beat here. And being in the Mountain West, we've always had to play at elevation. So that makes the games that much more difficult with regards to getting a handle on the game early. One of the things we're looking forward to is being at sea level. I think there are good and bad things to be at home. There's a chance of distraction with still having to go to class and keep a regular schedule. So it's a little more in the team's hand than my hands, which always makes a coach nervous.
On the team's form entering the tournament (four wins in their last five matches):
"To begin the year, we played one of the most difficult schedules in the country anticipating that we would have the conference player of the year, Cat Walker, playing with us. So that was a bit of a struggle early on. We were in every game; we've lost all the games by one goal, just missing someone that could score goals. We've had to rely on a lot of freshmen to start and play a lot of minutes this year. They're very good players, but it's taken some time for them to get used to doing what we ask them to and to get into the flow of the college game. Down the stretch, we gained some confidence with losses to big-time teams including North Carolina. Going into conference, we just wiped the slate clean. I brought them together at a team meeting and said that the season begins today. It gave them a new life and some confidence. I don't know if we have that dynamic player that's going to take over a game, but we're defending well and playing really well as a team. We're confident and we've seen everybody one time. We like our chances at home."
On Aubree Southwick:
"Everybody is excited, Aubree included. Having won last year, they got a taste of what it feels like to win a championship; they're really excited to play it here in front of their home fans. We're disappointed that she didn't get to play last week, but she handled it really well; probably better than I did. We're just excited that she has more chances to play in front of her home crowd. She's fired up and ready to play.