QUOTES

 Western Michigan head coach Colleen Munson

(On the match) "What a terrific match. An unbelievable win for our program, but a very quality team in Dayton that didn't give up. We were able to establish our tempo and establish our system and we're really proud of our girls for keeping their composure and keeping their poise. We're excited to be a part of this tournament and get our first win.

"I think something we've focused on all year is playing one point at a time and keeping our composure and knowing that we have many, many strengths. If they take away something we're good at doing, we have something else we can tap into. We know they are going to double-team Michelle. She's a talented athlete who puts up good numbers for us, but if they do that we've got four or five other opportunities to put the ball away. We know that, we talk about that, we play one point at a time and we don't get ahead of ourselves. This team battles every point. As far as a swing, what was the key, it was just believing in ourselves.

(On the fourth set and each team holding the lead and coming back on each other) "They took us out of what we were trying to do, but we battled back. We have a very balanced attack and we didn't have to rely on one player to be successful. Jill did a really great job running our system and our pass/serve composed themselves."

(On the team's dealing with the emotions of the NCAA Tournament, especially with no seniors) "I think the magnitude of the tournament, we're flattered to be here. Dayton has an amazing an environment. Their game atmosphere is really exciting and fun. We were starting to channel that energy for us. I think we were a little tense, a little nerves, but once we calmed down and played our system we were very successful. Chalk it up to the environment, a great Dayton team across the net from us that has strengths and we were able to exploit some of their weaknesses as the match went on and we were able to strategize against them."

(On Tulane) "We're going to enjoy this moment, one moment at a time. Again, it's something that we haven't even looked at. We'll prepare for that tonight and watch some video with the girls tomorrow."

Sophomore outside hitter Allyson Doyle

(On what see was seeing to be successful) "I just have to say great job to Jill. That was the best, I think, she has ever mixed it up this season. You could just tell. I was getting the ball and that opened it up for (Katie Eberling) and then Ebs was putting everything away and it honestly looked like they didn't know what to do with our system. We know when we're in system every time we're almost unstoppable."

(On the team's defense) "I think our middles did a really good job. We watched them play and knew they liked to set their middles a lot and I think they did a really good job of getting up on them every time and lining up with their middles, which made it a lot easier for me and (Eberling) and Strimel and Courtney (Seiler) to play defense around that. We did have a pretty good defensive game, but a lot of that goes to our blockers, too."

Junior outside hitter Katie Eberling

(On her performance) "At the beginning of the match I was a little jumpy and a little anxious. The coaches, as well as the bench, was like relax and see things and once I slowed things down it was a lot easier. The block was putting up a great block and Strimel and I and the rest of the back row were able to get in great position and stay patient and read the offense pretty well."

Junior setter Jillian Mitchell

(On mixing up the offense and spreading the ball around) "It became known that Ally wasn't getting the ball as much and we knew that she was definitely going to be able to put the ball down against this team, so once we got that going that opened it up so much for everyone. She did a great job out there and just overall our offense was completely balanced and Dayton didn't know what to do."

(On Dayton keying on Michelle Moore and how she responded) "Usually she just swings away anyway. You can't really tell that much (if it is bothering her). It's key to just keep going back to her. She's going to be able to find a way. She was able to get around the block a few times. I think that just putting your trust in her again and again and she's going to be able to put the ball down. I think it was definitely crucial that we saw blockers camped out on the outside on her and that's when it opens everything else up for everybody else. We were able to see that early and often and use it to our advantage."

(On having no seniors, do you think about that) "No, not really. We obviously know we are going to be the same team next year, but it's nothing that we put in our heads and say we still have next year. I think it's just playing our heart out every game. That's how we do well. That's what our success comes from."