Dec. 8, 2002

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002 - Burns Recreation and Aquatics Center Championship Final: California vs. Stanford

STANFORD POSTGAME QUOTES

Head Coach John Vargas

On today's win: "It was another close game with Cal. They did a great job, and I give a lot of credit to them for fighting. We came out with a two-goal lead and they just never quit. I am also just proud of the entire Stanford team. There are guys that don't get a lot of press: Matt Moser, Jeff Guyman, and Reed Gallogly were just wonderful. They played their roles and played them extremely well. This may have been the best defensive game all year for Jeff Nesmith."

On Tony Azevedo: "He's a winner. He's won at every level and he will continue to win. I want him to win a gold medal. That's the next step. He's a wonderful human being. He knows how to direct guys and help people out. He obviously brings a wonderful physical talent to the game, but there are things that people don't know about and that's how he helps people and the younger players out. He's better than anyone I have ever been around."

Sophomore Tony Azavedo

On today's game: "I shot that first one and Todd Hylton blocked it, and so I knew I had to try again, and it went in. I said to the guys before the game, `This is it, it's everything we've been working for. If you're not fired up for this game, what in your life are you fired up for?'"

Senior Peter Hudnut

On winning the title as a senior: "I don't think any senior could really ask for anything more. Just to end your college career by winning the title, it doesn't get any better than that. Our team really came together, the best we have all season. Everyone was on the same page and working for the same goal."

CAL POSTGAME QUOTES

Head Coach Kirk Everist On Cal's Loss: "We're disappointed. We had a goal at the beginning of the year and we were ranked sixth for most of the year. I tried to set a tone of never quitting and this team showed that today. We got it back with one minute and 30 seconds left in the game. We had a chance to tie and we kept on fighting. I'm very, very proud of this team."

On Tony Azevedo of Stanford: "Tony's a great player. He grew up on a national team. He does what great players do. He's like a sponge, he absorbs things other players do and then puts his own Tony-spin on them. He's a very unique player."

On the one man advantage: "We were three for eight. They play a really good defense. We missed a few opportunities. Those are the things that really make a difference in a game."

On the rivalry between Cal and Stanford: "There will always be a rivalry. We've become the top two programs in the country and will continue to be the top two programs in the country."

Senior Andrew Stoddard, D/2M On new coach, Kirk Everist: "This senior class has been through a lot. We had three disappointing years and to have Kirk come in here, gave us confidence. He told us we could do this and we rallied. Cal Water Polo is back. This coaching staff is unbelievable."

Junior Will Quist, D/2M On calls against them in the 4th Quarter: "I never noticed the calls. It was a well refed game."