On what led her to start three newcomers (Jordan Walker, Keyen Green and Marta Suárez) in Saturday’s season-opening win:
“I thought they played well in their first game. Decisions about starting for us has been about the consistency in the preseason. Who’s been there every day and played hard? We’ve got several players that will be right in that mix. The players that started the game, I’m really proud of them. Those newcomers came in with great maturity and great confidence. They didn’t look like rookies out there. I thought they went out and played well.”
On how Rae Burrell helps lead the team in her third season with the Lady Vols:
“One of the things that I’ve said about our team this year is that all of our returners are better (than last season). She’s better. I thought she ended on a high note last year. She played well going down the stretch. She’s not only carried that over, but let it propel her. She had been so consistent in practice. Every day, you know what you’re going to get with her. She’s played well. Everybody knows that Rae Burrell has a high motor and she plays hard. You’re always going to get that. Now, we see a Rae that’s more confident, very poised and (she) made great decisions. I’m really, really proud of her. She let the game come to her. Honestly, that’s not surprising. Her game today is exactly how she’s practiced. We’re really proud of her and excited for her this season.”