April 23, 2006

Rice Head Coach Roger White

On your first conference tournament crown:
"I am at a loss for words. This is a wonderful thing for both the team and our school. The girls worked hard all year and really deserve the win today. This (victory) has helped elevate our program to the next level. We've struggled in doubles all year, so we told our kids to just pretend we were down 0-1. The team played terrific up and down the courts."

On your No. 1 doubles tandem:
"(Seniors) Medeja (Egic) and Blair (DiSesa) really stepped up as co-captains and here at the tournament with their off-court encouragement and on-court production."

On the match-clinching win at No. 5:
"Alanna (Rodgers) came through huge at this tournament. She had the key win against Marshall, was the first off yesterday, then again with the big win today. It's been wonderful to see her make the jump in her game."

Rice Senior Blair DiSesa

On your feelings after the win today:
"I have never been more proud of a group of people in my entire life. We had a subpar start to the season, but we recovered and today had one of the best matches we've ever played."

On the NCAA Tournament berth:
"I think we performed well as the underdogs here and hopefully it will help us come on strong at regionals."

Rice Freshman Alanna Rodgers

On your performance throughout the tournament: "I'm ecstatic we've accomplished this. Everyone worked so hard to get here. I feel like I have turned a corner with my tennis. I'm excited for my team and just happy that I got the opportunity to play a part in winning."