May 3, 2007

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UC Irvine head coach John Speraw

On his team reaching their season goals
"We set a lot of goals before we started this season. We've accomplished all but one. We wanted to win our conference, which we were able to do. And we won an NCAA semifinal. I think after last year the guys were able to exercise some demons. We were the top seed and we were upset. Our last goal was to win the national title, and I hope we will be able to accomplish that last one Saturday."

On facing IPFW in the national title match Saturday
"IPFW is an exceptional team. We are going to have to play very well to beat them."

Brian Thornton, senior setter

On UC Irvine's offense against Penn State
"I think we hit negative the first game, which I didn't even know until he (Speraw) just told me, but we were able to pick it up."

On his teammmates Jayson Jablosnky and Matt Webber
"My teammates make it a ton easier for me. I'm not afraid to set any of them at any time and know that they will put it away. That makes you feel good as a setter."

Matt Webber, senior opposite hitter

On defeating Penn State
"Beating Penn State means a lot. We had a good run last year and it ended badly. As soon as we saw we were playing them it was all business. We wanted to make up for what happened last year."