Titan Women Share Feelings on State Tournament

Making their second straight NJCAA Region 8/FCSAA Tournament appearance as Southern Conference champions holds special meaning for the sophomores on Eastern Florida's women's basketball team.

 In their own words the Titans share their feelings on the tournament.

"Playing in the Region Tournament is such an honor, and we are all really excited about it. It's rewarding to see all of our hard work and preparation pay off, and we look forward to showing everyone who we are. It's a blessing to be a part of Eastern Florida basketball, and I'm thankful for the process that has got us this far and look forward to the results that come." – Emma Grimes

"It means everything to be playing in the state tournament this week. After coming up short last year, it made us approach this season with a different attitude. Crystal, Paola, and I knew from the beginning of the season what we were preparing for, the state title. Now that it's here we want to display all the hard work we've put in. It's the time us returnees have been waiting for." – Nene Johnson

"It means a lot playing in Ocala for the second year in a row. I am excited for the whole team, especially for the freshmen because I was in their shoes last year, and I know how big it is to make it this far the first year of college. Also the girls who I played with last year want to make a statement and prove to everyone that our last appearance here was not just an accident. I think the whole team wants to win, and not only be satisfied to be a part of this tournament, but also to go to the next level, to (national championship in) Texas. We all worked hard the entire season, and what other time could be better to show that than now, in the next few games. I think everyone will get to see what Eastern Florida women's and men's teams are made of." – Crystal Townsend

"It's a good opportunity to be back in the state tournament. Coming up short was just a lesson learned for us coming back into it. We worked hard from the summer until now so now it's time to show it. We have a lot of experience on our team from last year so we know what it feels like to come up short." – Paola Vasquez

The Titans play their quarterfinal game at 6 p.m. Thursday at the College of Central Florida in Ocala against defending national champion Chipola College.

The women's games will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/bRW-MJUJjmg