NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: REGIONAL SEMIFINAL - CREIGHTON VS IOWA STATE

March 24, 2022

Ashley Joens

Emily Ryan

Lexi Donarski

Greensboro Coliseum

Iowa State Cyclones

Sweet 16 Media Conference

Q. I was wondering what's the challenge been like prepping for Creighton, and what do they do that you guys have had to work on?

ASHLEY JOENS: Creighton is a pretty similar team to us. They like to shoot threes, so just kind of understanding their personnel. And they run a lot of motion offense, so just kind of understanding what they like to do and their tendencies.

LEXI DONARSKI: I like what Ash said. They shoot the three well and they're super, super active without the ball, setting lots of screens and cuts, so that will be something we have to focus on defensively.

EMILY RYAN: No, they pretty much covered it. They're a really good team, really active, and can obviously shoot the three ball well.

Q. Lexi, Coach Fennelly was talking about how important you're going to play defensively in this game. What kind of unique challenge does Creighton offer from that side of it, and I guess where does it kind of match up with some of the other things you've had to face defensively this year?

LEXI DONARSKI: I would say the biggest thing is the way they shoot the three that's different from what we've seen for quite a few games now.

Most of the teams we've been playing are really more focused on attacking than shooting the three, so that will be the biggest adjustment. You just have to stay at least one step closer and have your hand up.

Q. Ashley, we didn't get to talk to you after the game on Sunday, but I feel like this is a moment for you that's a long time coming, getting to the Sweet 16 after being so close last year, and then obviously COVID the year before that. Just what have the last 72 hours been like for you and getting here? Coach Fennelly was talking about the police escort and all that type of stuff and all the cool things. Just what has it been like for you?

ASHLEY JOENS: It's been really exciting, especially with the team. I think we have a really close group, and just kind of getting to experience it with them has been a lot of fun. We just want to keep getting better and trying to get further into the tournament to our next game coming up, and we have to focus on that.

When it's time to focus, it's business time, and afterwards we can kind of relax, have some fun, and get ready to go.

Q. Iowa State, one of three to have the men and the women in the Sweet 16. I was wondering if maybe you have shared that excitement with the guys, and also what it says about Iowa State to have both sides represent.

ASHLEY JOENS: I think it's really exciting for all of Iowa State just to kind of see where the men's program is at last year and kind of the improvement they've had this year, and to be able to see them get to experience the Sweet 16 as well is exciting for them and exciting for us. We're both excited to see how each team does.

EMILY RYAN: It brings a lot of energy to Ames. There was a little buzz on campus this week when we were in class, so just having two teams in the Sweet 16 is something that doesn't happen very often.

And I'm glad our fans get to experience it, and we're going to come out ready to play tomorrow.

LEXI DONARSKI: Yeah, it's just been a fun place to be at. There is a lot of excitement. Everyone is working hard to get ready for these next games.

Q. Maybe for Lexi and Emily. Nya is wearing a mask, I understand. How does this -- is it a unique mask or just a generic one? What does she look like? How does that play out?

EMILY RYAN: Yeah, she did break her nose so she's wearing a mask. She's handled it really, really well. I don't know if I would be able to handle it as well as she has. She's been practicing with it, and I honestly can't even tell a difference in the way she's been playing.

She's still aggressive in there, so credit to her and how tough she's been this week, and I'm ready to play with her tomorrow.

LEXI DONARSKI: Like what Em said. Her nose is broken in three spots, and we haven't even been able to tell a difference. She hasn't missed a day of practice or anything like that. She's been ready to go and looking really solid.

ASHLEY JOENS: Just kind of what they said. She hasn't looked any different. She is still out there trying to help the team and impact success in any way.

It's been really great to see her kind of continue to attack this even though she has a broken nose and has to wear a mask.

Q. You guys were kind of talking about Creighton and playing that similar style. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but teams like Oklahoma, Drake, teams that can shoot like that, you guys have upended them both defensively and offensively all year. Does that give you a little bit more confidence or moxie coming into this game?

LEXI DONARSKI: It helps that we have played teams that have a similar offensive style to them. I mean, we just have to be prepared for their personnel specifically coming into this game, but it does help to have some experience with teams that are as active and shoot it as well as they do.

ASHLEY JOENS: Like she said, it helps to play teams that have similar offenses as Creighton, but Creighton is their own team, and we have to focus on their personnel and take it one game at a time.

EMILY RYAN: That pretty much covered it.

Q. Obviously, in Iowa, the state of Iowa you know a lot about the other team from the Big Ten that didn't make it here. I'm curious, when Creighton wins a game like that, how much is -- they're a lower seed, but does that -- do you take notice of that and say, wow, that's -- you can't take a team lightly in this tournament? Does that leave that impression on you when you see something like that?

LEXI DONARSKI: We've always been focused on the next game, and we don't really worry about who that opponent is going to be because we're focused on the game that's next for us.

They've beaten a lot of good teams throughout the season, so we know that we really need to focus in, buy into our scouting report, and play a good game tomorrow.

Q. There are four players who scored in double figures against Georgia. I know this team has a lot of depth. How important is it to know whoever you're passing it to, they can score, everyone can defend?

EMILY RYAN: It was good to have balanced scoring against Georgia for sure. When we're playing like that, I think that's when we're at our best.

So just knowing we have several options on the offensive end makes it harder for teams to guard us, and just knowing that there can be a different person that's hot every night is really a benefit to us for sure.

Q. For all of you, but what has Morgan brought to the table this year?

ASHLEY JOENS: Yeah, it's been great to kind of see Mo kind of grow throughout her four years here, and just from last year to this year towards the end of the season she had to play a big role, and just to see that she's understood her role a little better this year and she knows where to get into the right spots at the right times.

And so it's been really fun just to watch her continue to grow, and I think each game she gets a little better.

LEXI DONARSKI: It's been really fun to watch her grow. She's gotten a lot better at finishing and scoring on her defender, and she also knows the right time to kick the ball out for an open three.

EMILY RYAN: Yeah, just seeing the way she's worked so hard in the offseason and throughout this season, and to see her growth is something that I'm really glad is happening for her because she works so hard with it.

Just seeing the hard work pay off for her is something that I'm really glad we're able to witness.

Q. This is for Ashley. You've put so much time and effort and dedication to this program, finally here at the Sweet 16. Have you had a chance to kind of take it in even though I know you're focusing on the game and all that? Have you had a chance to take in all the work you've done to get yourself and this program here?

ASHLEY JOENS: Yeah, a little bit. Just kind of understanding where it all started as a little kid and kind of seeing the dream kind of continue to grow. Just where we're at now. It's been exciting to be here with this team. We're really close, so just kind of getting to experience it with them, like I said.

And, of course, the game is a huge part, so just focusing in and knowing we have to take the next step and continue to get better and be ready for this game.

Q. Creighton coming in as a 10 seed, they're kind of making a Cinderella run, but March is a really dangerous time to be hot. How do you keep yourself from underestimating what they can do?

EMILY RYAN: They're an incredibly talented team. Anyone that makes the tournament in the first place is going to be really good, but to be in the Sweet 16, it shows a lot of their program and how they do things.

So they're a great opponent, and we're going to have to play really well to beat them. Today we're going to have a really good practice so we can get ready to do that.

LEXI DONARSKI: We don't overlook anyone and we take it one game at a time. We're not focused on the future or anything. Just the game at hand. We've been focusing on Creighton who is a really solid team and has made a great run in this tournament, and we're excited to get to play.

ASHLEY JOENS: I think they covered it.

Q. Ashley, was that the team's best defensive game the other day against Georgia? It looks like it may have been on the surface, and is that something that maybe is even -- makes you guys even tougher?

ASHLEY JOENS: Yeah, I think our defense plays a big role into how well we play, so when we can get some stops, and it kind of translates into our offense, so I think we have to take a lot of pride in our defense and really buying into our scouting report and come ready to go.