May 6, 2010
NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship
Semifinal #2 Quotes
No. 1 Stanford vs No. 4 Ohio State
May 6, 2010
Stanford Head Coach John Kosty
Opening Statement
"Ohio State is a talented team. We came in knowing they have two very good outside hitters. Their opposite, Shawn Sangrey, is a talented second team All-American. We knew we were going to have to put up a good blocking defense against him. John Klanac also played very well for them. We're excited we were able to step up our game late in the first game to extend the lead, and then we played Stanford volleyball. We served well and we passed well. That's what this team is all about.
On coming from last place in the MPSF to first and playing in the title game
It's been told a lot about our [path from] worst to first. It's nice to start seeing it come to fruition. I'm just proud of these guys who have worked so hard and so long and focused on their game to get to this level. It's been a long journey, and they've put in their time, and now they're reaping the benefits of it.
Senior Setter Kawika Shoji
On playing Ohio State
Ohio State played very well, and they came out very tough. They played very, very good defense at the beginning of the match. We had our work cut out for us. That's why I think the game was close all the way until the early- to mid-twenties. We weathered the storm and just put pressure on them in the end. That's kind of been the characteristic of our team this year. We're very resilient and very mature. We hang in there when there are some tough times and the other team is playing well. When we see some opportunities, we take advantage. As far as my setting, I try to be as dynamic as I can, but it was probably a little too acrobatic tonight at some points. So I gotta get better for Saturday.
Senior Opposite Evan Romero
On his development over the past four years
I was a little wild my freshman year, but the coaches had extreme patience with me. They've helped me with different tools to control it and be able to bring something different. I'm glad that I'm able to bring some fire to the team.
On preparing for Penn State
We're ready to play right now. We're looking forward to practice tomorrow. Penn State is a great team. We've got a lot of studying and getting ready mentally and physically for the game, but we're pumped up now and we still have to get that emotion going. At the same time, we have to take a step back and prepare ourselves for a very good team that's up ahead and get ready for the final battle on Saturday.
Sophomore Outside Hitter Brad Lawson
On controlling the match against OSU
The game's never in the bag in this tournament. Every team is so good, they can come back at any point in the match. We just reminded ourselves to stay in the present, stay focused, and put up those final points to put us in the championships.