University of North Carolina Athletics
Postgame Quotes
June 1, 2003 | Baseball
June 1, 2003
NORTH CAROLINA HEAD COACH Mike Fox
Opening Comments ...
"The people of Starkville and Mississippi State made this an absolutely wonderful place to come and compete. We were treated first class. The fans here were outstanding. We're obviously ecstatic about winning. We've been wanting our program to take the next step. I told our players all along there was something special about this team. Great bunch of competitors, best I have ever coached. They just compete and never give up."
On Sean Farrell's Game Tying Home Run ...
"The home run by Sean in the ninth inning was one of the most dramatic I have seen in person."
On Playing South Carolina in the Super Regionals ...
"We were in Columbia last year for a regional. We know exactly what we're up against. They have a great program. It's a tough place to play."
NORTH CAROLINA OUTFIELDER Sean Farrell
On His Two Home Runs ...
"I hadn't been as aggressive as I had been this season in the first Mississippi State game. They tried to get me out with fastballs a lot. I was sitting on it today. I put a lot of good swings on balls today."
On His Experience At Mississippi State ...
"This is the best place I have ever played. Fans out there in left field get on you. I was just amazed at how knowledgeable these fans were. This is just the best atmosphere I have ever played in. I wish I could come here every year and play."
NORTH CAROLINA INFIELDER Greg Mangum
On The Ninth Inning Comeback ...
"That was a big momentum swing. We didn't know how far down in their pitching depth they were. We knew they were down there a great deal more than we were. For us to come back and tie the game gave our offense some momentum. It enabled us to send out Scott Senatore. He pitched very well."
On Preparing For Mississippi State ...
"We knew it was going to be a hostile environment. I think competitors love that situation. I know I love that. I love playing in front of a lot of people. It just gives you an adrenaline rush. It gets the best out of you."
MISSISSIPPI STATE HEAD COACH RON POLK
Opening Statement ...
"North Carolina is a very nice ball club and they did what had to be done with the home runs and extra base hits. That was something we weren't able to get done this weekend, unfortunately, and that makes it tough. (Sean) Ferrell was a hero for them today. You have to give them credit to come on our field and beat us twice. The key to a four team tournament, often times, is that second game so you can get your kids some rest and it doesn't beat down your pitching. We had a chance there at the end with runners on second and third after Manny (Maniscalco) gets a great bunt down. The kids tried as hard as they could but couldn't get it done. I really am proud of this team. The youngsters probably saw a lot of things this weekend that will enable them to get better."
On the upper classmen ...
"I thank the veterans. Manny, the seniors, and the others that have done a great job for this program. Even though I didn't get a chance to recruit some of these guys, they are part of my family and we wish them well in their next career. Most of these guys will have the opportunity to go to that next level."
MISSISSIPPI STATE CATCHER CRAIG TATUM
On the pitches thrown on Sean Farrell's home runs ...
"They were both fastballs inside. They were supposed to be away and they just kind of missed over the middle of the plate."
MISSISSIPPI STATE INFIELDER MATTHEW MANISCALCO
On the game and his career ...
"It's tough. We believed that we were going to make it to Omaha, and we believed that we were going to come out and win both games today. It didn't happen because North Carolina got it done, hats off to them. This can't take away any of the memories that I've had from my past teams, teammates, and coaches. I've loved every minute of it."
