Dec. 13, 2001
Stanford Head Coach John Dunning
Watching tape and preparing for the final
"We've played them before so we've already watched tape on them. We have tape on them from when we played them (before this season). We have tape form last night. We watched a little bit, but we still have a lot to do, it will be a long night."
How the teams have changed since they met in September
"They don't know how to lose because they haven't lost yet. As you go through a season that part grows...the confidence in yourself just grows. You lose the reason to doubt yourself. You know that they've improved a lot because of their belief in how good they are. We played them at their place in front of a big crowd. We had a good match. The first two games were great games we split. I think we've improved a lot since then. We've changed our lineup a little bit since then. I think it could be a great match. There are a lot of great players and both teams are playing well, so it should be fun."
Extra pressure on Long Beach State because they have not lost this season
"I think Long Beach is a tough group. They can handle a lot. The season has prepared them top play well. Their coaching staff has been here before with another team undefeated and been successful, so they'll know how to fight that battle a little bit. Our hope in being able to beat them isn't based upon them, having difficulty here. Our hope is to rise to the occasion against a good team so they can challenge us and we can find out just how good we are."
Comment on the match vs. Long Beach State in September
"I thought we didn't play great at Long Beach, but I think it was them. I think they were just better than us. I also had a feeling inside that if we got lucky and stayed healthy, we would grow a lot. We've added a lot of weapons since then. We've added a lot to our offense. Maybe the key is our ball control is a lot better than it was. My remembrance of that match is that they served us off the court at key moments. We're doing pretty well with that now."
Comment on Logan Tom's game against Nebraska
"I think what you seen when you watch Logan play is someone who has a great feel for the game and is good at all the skills. I think that she, like any player, can get blocked at times or someone can ace her. What she does is bring a very educated nature to the game. She knows what she's doing. She has a really good understanding and feeling for the game.
Logan Tom
Outside Hitter, 6-1, Jr., Salt Lake City, Utah
On defeating Nebraska:
"There was a huge momentum shift. I think our team, as a unit, really pulled together. Ashley Ivy had some great serves in both games one and two and got us back and we had some great net play as well. I think all the wins were very team oriented."
On coming back late in yesterday's games:
"When you are down at that stage in the game, so late, I think players have a natural instinct of knowing when to be able to pick their game up and the team as well. The whole team gave a conscious effort to do that. When you pull games out when you are down by that much it's a big confidence builder for your team. It gets your team fired up and hopefully it will take some of the confidence out of the team your playing."
Tara Conrad
Middle Blocker, 6-3, Sr., Torrance, Calif.
On tomorrow's championship match:
"I'm looking forward to a really good game. I love playing good teams with good players. If you block or dig a good player you feel that much better about your game. I think it will be a really fun match. I think our team is really prepared. Going back to when we played them before, we have really grown as a team since. Everybody is more used to each other on the court. We are more of a cohesive unit."