For Immediate Release: October 28, 2009
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Quotes from BU women's soccer postseason media day

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Head Coach Sarah McClellan

On earning a first-round bye and hosting the semifinals

"We feel good and fresh from having days to recover. We are preparing for Sunday and not Thursday so that's a great feeling."

On the development of this year's team

"Our work ethic as a team is great. We've been working hard all season. We started off slow in terms of results but our commitment to the process is what has gotten us to where we are now - in the playoffs."

On the impact of the newcomers, especially on the attack

"Our young players are doing a good job but the reason is our older players are teaching them. The team has a good understanding of where to play the ball and as we've become more comfortable, we've started to get more chances and get more creative in front of the goal. In conference play, we started turning it on and I think the players are feeling more confident in stepping up and taking that responsibility of creating chances and scoring."

On Amanda Casares being the lone Bearcat on the all-conference teams

It's about time Amanda was selected to the first team. She's a big time player - she does a good job and is a leader on the field. I'm pleased for her. We have a lot of good players that are deserving of recognition but it doesn't matter to us. Maybe it's a result of our commitment to team play, but we finished second so we must've had some talented players. We feel we can prove ourselves in the tournament. Nobody votes for champion of the league."

On matching up with either No. 3 Maine or No. 6 New Hampshire

"Both teams are strong. One thing we know is that we will be playing a strong team. But they have to travel to us."

Senior midfielder Amanda Casares

"It's really exciting (to make the first team). It was a tough year in the conference and I'm really lucky. It's my senior year and I had hoped for the best... This team worked our butts off and we're sitting at No. 2... We can't wait for the postseason. I would love to end my career in the NCAAs... Our team has a lot of character. As a team we 'get it' and understand the importance of every game. We are a very cohesive group... Coach McClellan has been turning things around, especially with her recruiting and there's only more to come... In my four years this is my first home playoff game so hopefully we can draw a big crowd and use our home field advantage."

Freshman midfielder Emily Pape

"It's exciting being honored as a freshman (America East All-Rookie) at the college level. I didn't have any expectations coming into the season. I had hoped for success and hoped we would do well this year... We have beaten New Hampshire and Maine already but it will be a hard game either way. We will go in confident and do our best."

Freshman forward Jamie Holliday

"To have a home game and not have to travel is huge. Traveling takes so much out of you. We will be rested. With all the freshmen coming in, it took a little while to get acquainted and find our comfort zone on the field. When we started to see some wins, we started feeling comfortable with each other and our new level of play... I think we're coming together as a team. We have a lot a great talent on this team and our strengths are our work rate and chemistry."