We've had a lot of easy games this year and Lindsay hasn't had to play that hard. Tonight she showed she is our leader.

Their weak-side help had a lot to do with that. We'd beat the first defender, but the secondary defense was outstanding.

That was huge for us. We're not a good free throw- shooting team. I think we're under 50 percent for the year. We'd have been in a big hole if we shot the way we usually do. That was just a miracle.

That changed our strategy. We didn't plan to press. Once Patterson went out, we did and we got a few baskets out of it.

It's a sense of accomplishment. This group has worked so hard for three years. They were so close last year. We thought we were a good enough team to withstand the pressure we knew Monacan would bring.

She was groomed since she was a little girl to be a major impact player for some program. We were lucky to have her at Manchester. She's been very, very consistent for four years. Being the player of the year is a natural progression for her.

If they can step up and carry their fair share, we're pretty balanced. Last year [a loss to Oakton in quarterfinals] was a growing experience. Our maturity is at a higher level.

Five or six games ago, we were pretty lackadaisical. Now, we've refocused and picked up some energy. We're playing really well now.