Post by Publicist on Jan 22, 2023 18:09:31 GMT -5
POST GAME INTERVIEW
Cincinnati at New York
January 22, 2023
Coach Maleek Raheem addresses the media following The Hit Girl's 13 to 3 road win against the Pride.
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cBS SPORTS: Coach, great win today against a tough New York team. Odds makers had you guys as the underdogs, but that was a pretty convincing win for Cincy. What are your thoughts?
Coach Raheem: Today was a revenge game, but it wasn't revenge against The Pride, it was revenge against last week's performance. We stepped up in all three phases of the game. The girls all had each other's backs and when it was time to perform, they didn't blink. That is who we are and that is who we will continue to be.
NEW YORK CITY SOURCE: We all know who claims to be the best wide receiver in the LFL, but who's the best receiver on your team? It has to be Dixon, right?
Coach Raheem: Like I said before, this is a team sport and we got a team win today. I think all of our receivers have a role to play and they do it as a team. Dixon is playing lights out right now and I think Roxy Cotton as lit that fire in her. You know what? Dixon is going to light a fire in Cotton, and then it will be Anderson, and Coda, and Cartier...all the way down the line. We feed off one another, but all that means is that at the end of the day, we all get to eat!
CINCY TIMES: A lot was made over Angie Vaughn's protection of the ball going into this game, but then she threw that horrible interception. What did you tell her on the sidelines?
Coach Raheem: Vaughn is a competitor, but she took that mistake to heart, and she took ownership of it, like a leader should. I sat her down and told her to put it behind her...or I'd come to house and shave her cats bald! No, I'm kidding. I didn't have to tell her anything more than to own it and go out there and show everyone that it was one bad play and it was over and done. That is what she did and that is reflected in the team victory.
SPORTS RAP: Can you talk about the defense? It was obviously critical to today's win for you.
Coach Raheem: Cincy owes AMC a debt of gratitude for the play of the Defense this season, and especially today! She has been a Hit Girl since day one and that is why she was named Defensive Captain. She has been able to recognize schemes and set up our response with great skill and execution of purpose. Chase made a huge play for us at the end of the game to seal the win. Of course, it's hard to talk about the Defense without also mentioning Anderson continuing to raise holy hell at the line and in the backfield. She might be a rookie, but she is playing at a veteran level right now...dare I say Pro Bowl level!
NEWS BEAT: Are you concerned that your wife hasn't found the endzone yet?
Coach Raheem: I have no concerns over my wife's play. Salvatore-Spencer has an important role on this team, and that role is to be part of it. She's done that and it led to success. Does she want to score points? Yes, everyone on that team want to do that, but more than individual glory, they all want to win...regardless of what Cotton will probably say!
Sorry, I am going to have to cut this one short. Some of the Pride players told me that they could drink me under the table, and I am going to see if I can get Cincy another win tonight!
GO HIT GIRLS!
