Regional game 1 quotes

Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle

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On <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska’s performance

“On offense, you saw us put some pressure on their defense even before we scored.  Then we were able to put some back-to-back hits together in a couple different innings and that was great for our team.  It was a great game and it was a nice way to start this tournament.  When you play Iowa, it’s always a dog fight and we won this one.”

 

On Lisa Birocci and Iowa’s pitching

“We really felt her go-to pitch was her screwball, so the lefties were hugging the plate and the righties were off the plate a little bit.  We figured that at some point in time we’d get an outside pitch and if we did get one we didn’t think it would have much movement on it as her screwball and we just tried to deliver the barrel head to the point of contact.

 

“When Arnold came in, she had some stuff really moving and that threw us off because we hadn’t really worked for her.”

 

On Ashley DeBuhr’s performance

“Ashley’s thrown a lot of great games.  I just thought that tonight she had three things she was looking for: plan, purpose and passion.  She did all of those things and I don’t think she missed a pitch.  Those three hits she gave up, you really have to give credit to Iowa for.”

 

On the possibility of playing Creighton

“During postseason every team is a great team and it’s not about the opponent but about how you can play your game.  I understand that Creighton is an instate rivalry, but postseason is a whole different ballgame.”

 

Pitcher Ashley DeBuhr

On her comfort level on the mound

“I felt really good.  I felt good from the warm-ups and took it into the game.”

 

Outfielder Lizzy Rock

On getting a pair of clutch hits

“Any time you can do well it feels great.  We had a lot of passion and togetherness this afternoon.  There were a lot of great hits and mine just fell and I had my team backing me all the way.  You just got up there and you keep swinging and sometimes it just happens.”

 

On the confidence Nebraska gained from the win

“It is what you need.  We needed to come out with a big punch and we did and now we can hopefully ride that wave through the rest of the tournament.”

 

Iowa Head Coach Gayle Blevins

On Ashley DeBuhr

“Obviously she pitched a great game.  I’m really disappointed in our ability to make adjustments.  You can’t expect to have 17 strikeouts in a game and win.”

 

On the loss

“The big difference was our lack of offense because it allowed them to get into an attacking mode.  You can’t give your opponent that opportunity.”

 

Stacy May

On Ashley DeBuhr

“It all comes down to the fact that she hit our spots.  Anyone who watches softball can look at this game and tell you that it doesn’t matter how hard or fast you throw, it’s whether or not you hit your spots.  I’d like to think that we’re better than what we hit today, but you can’t take credit away from her either.”