We had it on the board all week that we were 1 games out of first place in the West. I was a little worried we might have an emotional letdown (Saturday) and we did.

That fifth year helps a lot of players. They are more mature physically and mentally. Part of being a good player like Lauren is that teams try and take her out. With the exception of a couple of games, Lauren has been solid for us. She's so consistent; you know what you're going to get out of her every game.

Lauren has been a great player for us all year and she came through for us again. What I was really happy with is the way we played defense. To hold them to 49 points is very pleasing.

They outplayed us down the stretch. We took the lead but we couldn't get a stop and build on it. When the game was on the line, they made the plays and we didn't.

I watched us put chains on the bus late Thursday night before we went over Wolf Creek Pass, then it was dark when we came back over it on Saturday. That's the worst trip - six hours in the cold bus after a tough loss.

People don't realize that she's a great passer, too, and that she's an unselfish player.