Eastern Oregon University Athletics

Kaki Morehead, EOU Head Coach
How did it feel to win on a night like tonight?
Tonight was a very emotional night, obviously because of the recognition that went on, but because it meant a lot to the girls as well. When we can win and when we can play well most importantly on a night like tonight especially at home it means a lot to them it means a lot to us it means a lot to EOU.

What was said in the locker room before warm-ups?
We talked a lot about it being a struggle to be perfectly honest, we knew that emotional attachment was going to be really hard to just put aside and play tonight. One of the things we talked about was using that fire, using that fire to be the best player they could be and remember her and honor her tonight.

Outside hitting game
Our outsides were phenomenal tonight, they carried the game, otherwise we were pretty inconsistent but our outside, especially freshmen Stefani Sorenson was outstanding, you can’t replace kids like that.

Kaitlyn Duncan
How did it feel to get your 1000th dig?
I had no idea, I was completely surprised. I was like what the heck are we calling a timeout for? We’re ahead.

How was the team before the game tonight under the circumstances?
It was so nice of Hailey’s parents and family to come, it was rough but it was much needed. We hadn’t seen them in a long time, their support means a lot to us.

Stefani Sorenson
How does it feel being a freshman start for EOU?
It’s kind of humbling, a lot of people don’t get the chance to step onto the court as a freshman. It’s a really good opportunity to play for EOU.

How do you like EOU?
It’s a lot of fun, that’s one of the main reasons why I came here because I knew it would be a fun team, and we’ve been winning so that’s great too!

Mike Gaffaney, Northwest Christian Head Coach
On NCU’s performance
We had a good game plan coming in I thought. I got to hand it to Eastern they shut down our top two hitters. Maybe it was just a down night for them, but I thought Eastern had a heck of a game plan. I thought we played Eastern better tonight than we did in Eugene earlier this season. So I’m happy about that. I thought we played good defense against them. I thought we blocked well.

We fought back in two of the sets which was good to see. I thought we served well, but didn’t side out very well. You’re not going to beat many teams when you don’t sideout well. All in all we’re pleased with our performance throughout the match. We got another tough match at College of Idaho tomorrow night, hopefull this will inspire into that one.

On the emotional evening
It was an emotional night for Eastern and its players, its coaching staff, and their faculty. We kind of knew it was going to be that. It was kind of an emotional night for us as well. It’s a tough thing to come here and for this to happen to any team. But I applaud Eastern in the way they played tonight. They had heart and drive. We said a lot of prayers for Eastern throughout the season and I know there are a lot of teams pulling for them. I have to congratulate their coaching staff and their girls. We’re all very proud of them.

Have you seen a better Eastern team in your years as coach
We’ve been commenting on that all season. Despite their struggles early in the season in California against highly-ranked teams, everyone is feeling Eastern is now playing very well. It’s the type of play and their personnel, it just compliments the team very well. I know they lost to College of Idaho, but Eastern is my favorite in the conference because of the way they play. College of Idaho is toughest and will give us a challenge, but my dollars are with Eastern.

On EOU and College of Idaho being the toughest trip
This is absolutely the most difficult trip to make. Its fun coming over here, but it’s just the trip all the way from our place. It’s always tough and I’m not going to make any excuses because Eastern has to do it every weekend. The trip definitely takes its toll, but I’m thankful we don’t have to do it in December.