Illinois State Head Coach Mark Kingston opening statement:

"I thought today was an example of two teams that pitched really well and played great defense.  There were no errors on either side.  Both starting pitchers threw extremely well.  Both had control of their breaking ball and made it tough for hitters all day.  I was happy with our approach for the most part; we ended up with 11 hits.  We would like to get more than three runs, but when you can shut out the other team three runs is enough-that's what we're all about."

Illinois State Senior left-fielder Anthony Ruffolo on facing Patrick Cooper:

"I think the first time through the order he had pitches working. We were trying to get his pitch count up, so later in the game he may start making mistakes at the plate and he did.  We were able to get enough base hits to get the "W" and Corey picked us up all day.  It was a good performance."

Illinois State Junior Corey Maines on playing with conf. co-champ expectations:

"Since we are champions now, we have a target on our backs.  Everyone is trying to knock us off.  It is different compared to last year, coming in as a sixth seed.  No one expects us to do anything or show up and perform well.  That's what we did today."

Bradley University Head Coach Elvis Dominguez opening statement:

"It ended and started with their pitcher on the mound, Corey Maines.  He totally dominated from the get-go.  We never got comfortable and were not able to get anything going offensively.  He battled, we faced him a couple of weeks ago and he did exactly the same thing.  He was basically the key to today's outcome."

Bradley University Senior second-baseman Matt Fritz on what worked for Maines:

"Like coach said, he got in a good rhythm.  He established his fastball.  They changed their approach and went with the fastball.  It opened both sides of the plate and we just never got comfortable.  We didn't hit, bottom line."

Bradley University Junior pitcher Patrick Cooper on what happened in the 7^th:

"I don't know, as the game went on I felt better and better.  I felt like I peaked in the 5^th and 6^th.  I felt good going into the 7^th, but ran into some bad luck.  The last pitch I threw was a bad pitch; he took advantage of it.  I don't think I was really worn down.  I felt pretty good, but I was probably lot more tired than I thought at the same time."

Bradley University Senior second-baseman Matt Fritz on preparing for tomorrow:

"It was hot out today, so we have to eat and rest up so we can come out ready to play.  It's win or go home.  For me, this could be my last game of my career.  It's not going to be; we are going to win tomorrow.  It will be a good battle-Creighton is a good team."