It really hurt us not having Gina Oaks in there. It made some difference in our rotation, and she always gets the bat on the ball [at No. 2 in the order].

Jennie has a flair for the dramatic.

Our team's been known for its defense, and Akron did a good job taking advantage of our mistakes. You have to give a lot of credit to McHugh. She came in and shut us down.

This is one of the most fulfilling experiences ever. It's the most fun I've ever had coaching. The season was the journey. This was a weekend trip. You shake their hand and tip your hat. It was one win in extra innings.

I don't know if you can really contain him (Jones). The best way for us to contain him was to keep our offense on the field and him on the sideline.

You've got to improve. It's not about who we're playing. It's about us getting better.