2021 WOMEN'S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

June 5, 2021

Lonni Alameda

Kathryn Sandercock

Florida State Seminoles

Postgame Press Conference

Florida State - 4, Oklahoma State - 2

Q. Kathryn, did you ask for the ball from Coach for tonight's game, and how did you keep a very good Oklahoma State attack off-balance tonight?

KATHRYN SANDERCOCK: I didn't ask for the ball. Coach gave me the ball and I was ready for it. I think that the way we went after this offense tonight was just one pitch at a time. It was great, I was feeling it, we were all feeling it a little bit, and I knew that they were going to be feeling it, too. So it was just about attacking and making sure that we're in it every single pitch because that's just what the game comes down to, making sure we were in it every single pitch.

Q. What kind of performance did she give you tonight?

LONNI ALAMEDA: Pretty outstanding performance. You know, short turn, when you are in the losers bracket because you're playing games. And I think what is so awesome is Kat's taken to the smart part of the game. We had time to think about a game plan for the hitters that have been big producers for them, and she shut them down, and that was awesome. They're a great ballclub and it's awesome to see her thrive in these moments in the early, wee hours of the morning.

Q. Can you describe what it took for you to get the job done in both games today?

KATHRYN SANDERCOCK: That's a season-long thing, taking care of your body through the season. Because this is the time to pitch your heart out, pitch your legs off, pitch your arm off, and that's what I tried to do. That's what I kept telling myself to do and just being all in for every single pitch. So I think that it was a journey throughout the entire season. And today in between games, just getting some treatment, making sure that I was going to give myself the best possible chance to perform.

Q. Thoughts on the Crimson Tide.

LONNI ALAMEDA: Yeah, we're excited. I think that Montana has been incredible for them. I mean, Hemphill's had a great year. It's been fun watching them compete, and who doesn't want to play the best right now. I think with the momentum that we have and the scratch and claw mindset that we have -- you know, we get a couple hours' nap here and then we're going to get after them and it's going to be really exciting.

Q. I lost track of how many elimination games you've won, but what is it about this team that allows you to thrive in moments like these?

LONNI ALAMEDA: I probably go down to a little bit of culture. I think that we have really passionate love for each other as teammates. And when it comes down to it, every single person in the dugout and on the field wants to perform for Kat and Kat wants to perform for them. The mindset in the box is passing the bat and I'm going to do what I need to do.

And we struggled this year trying to figure out that identity, but the love and fight for our teammates has always been there. Now it's just starting to come out and the glue is coming together and you see that fight. It's really cool as a coach to see.

Q. You talk about just your team trying to find its identity, and trying to find its meaning for themselves. We've seen through it all the grit. It keeps showing every single time. Do you think that their identity for themselves, they are just never willing to lay down and keep fighting till the bitter end?

LONNI ALAMEDA: Yeah, the other part is we talked about how many people traveled here to see us play and the legacy of the alumni sitting up there in the stands and so excited, and the players feel that. There's a family atmosphere and you want to leave the jersey better than you found it and you want to give everything you can.

The players were talking this morning, if this is the last time you play, what do you want to be like and what do you want to leave on the field and that's hitting home with a lot of them. They are really being external for each other, and I think you can see that playing on the field right now. They are just giving every ounce of energy and effort they have.

Q. Just the emotion how the whole team just cheered on the home run. What did that mean for you seeing the emotion and everything she's been through to get that moment?

KATHRYN SANDERCOCK: I'm just super proud of her. She was totally due. She has a great swing and I was just waiting for her to get her swing off. I'm super proud. I know that felt good for her. I know that she's been wanting it and waiting for it and working for it for a long time. Yeah, that was so great to see. I almost wanted to cry when it happened. I was just so happy for her. I was so proud of her and I was so happy for the team getting that early lead that was so huge for us. We followed up with a couple more runs which was great, but Anna definitely got us started.

LONNI ALAMEDA: I think in my interview they asked me the same question. There's just pure joy. People don't realize how many energy it takes to catch and catch every single game and catch three different pitchers. She is the glue for this battery for sure. We would not be anywhere without her. She gives us so much behind the plate and she's gassed right now. And for her to get a swing and contribute offensively, even though she's been contributing defensively more than so many people know, but pure joy for her. She gave a fist pump coming around first base and feels like she's contributing, even though we know especially as the pitching coach, we know she's contributing, so I would say just pure joy for her.