Kim Maher Quotations

We are going to have to manufacture runs, no doubt. And that means a lot more bunting and such.

She threw really well. She was big for us in a couple of areas.

(Mitchell) is very athletic, so she can play multiple positions. She swings a powerful bat.

I think it got to the point where we just got fed up. It was a gut check.

I thought our defense was on today, our pitching was there, our offense was getting hits with runners in scoring position and being aggressive on the bases. Scoring in the first inning also was huge for us. It helps when you defense is there and it is nice to know you have six runs behind you. It was a nice start to the weekend.

I think our players know that if they are working hard and executing, they can compete with anyone.

We ended on a very good note. What it comes down to is scoring the runners on base and (on Sunday) we did that.

Usually the case of teams that are fairly similar, one team is going to let up mentally.

We can't have small errors like we did this weekend and expect to beat some of the teams this weekend. We need to focus on execution.

You know, it's one of those things where you tell your hitters to have good at-bats. It all comes down to accountability and being responsible for your at-bats.

When our pitching and defense are on, we can find a way to score. Our players were fired up and were intense throughout, from inning one to seven. It was like night and day from yesterday's game.

Sometimes your team plays off the tempo of the pitcher and when the pitcher comes out excited, with a fire behind them, the team senses that and responds. All three of our pitchers were hitting their spots today. Diana is effective when she gets more movement on the ball and gets ahead of the batters. She came out ready to go and did that today. Then Mel came out and did her job as well. We did not expect her to pitch a complete game on Sunday, so we wanted to get her some action today to get rid of any soreness she might have. We also wanted to get Brooke some more innings in before the weekend.

It was one of those things where we had to have her come in because we got in trouble. We couldn't afford to not come out with a W.

It's been a shocker, but they have taken it. Everyone wants to accomplish more and they know this is part of doing that.

It will make them more successful. It just takes a little bit and they have been very willing.

They are well prepared for the turf. It is a lot quicker surface. We need to be ready to make plays and be aggressive.

In essence, it's not so much what Penn State does, but it's how we're going to react to them. If we swing at good pitches, then we should be successful.

If you focus on the top of the lineup, the eight and nine (hitters) can really hurt you.

I'll tell you it is a different program for the coaches, but the game doesn't change.

Hopefully, that will give our players a little bit of incentive to prove to their fans, their friends, that this is Division I softball and we're much better than what we have been.

I call it practice in the sun. Practice outside.

The game has opportunities. If you don't take advantage of the opportunities, you're going to end up shooting yourself in the foot.

All of the positions are up for grabs. I want a competitor and someone who has bought into my beliefs.