Old Dominion/Stanford musings

Poor Carolann Cloutier. You earn the start in your first college game, but it comes against arguably the most talented and cohesive team you'll see in your four years at ODU. The results weren't surprising - 0 points, 0 assists, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls. But hey, Carolann, it gets easier from here.

Wendy on Nnemkadi Ogwumike: "One of the finest athletes I've seen on the floor in a long time. She reminds me so much of Hamchetou (Maiga), except five inches taller and 100 pounds more."

Jasmine Parker on ODU's second-half resurgence: "It showed who has heart and who doesn't."

After two foul-plagued exhibition games and a difficult first half, the Tia Lewis so many people have been raving about showed up in the second half. Even against the tree-sized Cardinal frontcourt, Lewis went up for her shot with confidence and attacked the boards with passion during the final 20 minutes. "Tia Lewis was a different player in the second half," Wendy said. If this is the Lewis we're going to get every night, CAA post players are in big trouble.

Parker on ODU's post players: "They're quicker and work a little harder that the post players we've had previously.''

Did anyone in the building know that Mairi Buchan was capable of that hook shot with such much air underneath it, it initially resembled a heave? But it dropped and she smiled, and amid a night ODU wouldn't mind forgetting, Buchan produced something memorable.

Also how about that three-point play from Vicki Collier, who galloped to the basket with the considence of oh, say, Ogwumike. Collier's Lady Monarch career has been nothing but devastating injuries and what a payoff to see her get big minutes on a big night.

Finally, Wendy made it a point to thank the fans for showing up under difficult circumstances. "I want to thank the people for coming out in this horrible weather," she said.