Nov. 14, 2008

Recap |  Box Score

Illinois 1, Memphis 0 (2OT)
Nov. 14, 2008
NCAA First Round
Audrey J. Walton Complex, Columbia, Mo.

Illinois Head Coach Janet Rayfield
Opening statement...
"In regards to Memphis, I think it was a great battle, they're a great team. We had some chances, they had some chances and to get one in overtime, obviously we are happy to move on at this point. I give credit to a young team that has fought very hard and made it a definite challenge. I give credit to us, we have been a good defensive team all season, and we are going to continue to rely on that."

On the defensive battle...
"When you establish yourself as a great defensive team and you rely on that, then you have to battle and stay in the fight. The defense can change games and you just have to keep chipping away. I told them at halftime, `You just have to get one. You just have to get in once.' When you believe in your defense that strongly, that really is a true statement."

On withstanding Memphis' second-half pressure...
"There was a period when we lost the midfield a little bit. Their dangerous attacks came out of the midfield. (Memphis midfielder Vendula Strnadova) combined to get herself out of the midfield, and we didn't track that, then they were able to get numbers forward, but I thought our defense held well."

On the goal in overtime...
"We talked about their movement being important. Jordan (Hilbrands) came across and Chichi (Nweke) played a great ball in front of her. I thought Jordan played well the whole second half. She gave them fits and got in behind the defense. At that moment, the pieces all came together: Jordan made a great run, Chichi played a great ball and Jordan finished it."

On the mentality of the team...
"This is a team that just has to fight and claw to get the goals. They're not coming a ton, but thank goodness defensively we haven't needed a ton. We just have to continue to do what we do well and that's defend well. This is going to be what defines this team: great defensively, solid defensively and scrappy and persistent on the attacking side of things. If that's what it takes for us to continue to claw our way through this tournament then I think that's what this team will do."

Illinois Senior Defenseman Emily Zurrer
Comments on the game...
"Both teams had a lot of chances. I think we did a good job defensively and it definitely gives us confidence going into the game on Sunday."

Illinois Sophomore Forward Jordan Hilbrands
On the game winning goal...
"It's something we have been practicing, the one-on-one finishing. We knew if we got some shots on frame that we'd score some goals. If we kept the ball on the field it was going to be fast and wet and go in."

Memphis Head Coach Brooks Monaghan
Opening statement...
"First of all, give credit to Illinois. They're a good team and I wish them the best. In regards to us, I thought it was a tale of two halves. I thought we came out a little bit scared to lose in the first half and then responded really well at half time and gave ourselves a chance to win. You know, it is a cruel game sometimes. To end this way, in overtime, I am extremely proud of our girls and the season that we have had and once again, wish Illinois the best."