Virginia defenseman Cade Saustad previews the quarterfinal game against Maryland.
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00:00 We can just show up and play a good game.
00:03 And that wasn't the case.
00:04 And it's a little easier this week, especially not having school,
00:08 just really dialing in, staying focused, building that maturity, and
00:12 just knowing that we have to play and prepare as well as possible to beat this team.
00:18 >> After you faced them at Audi, Lars was really honing in on,
00:21 this was the clear number one team.
00:24 Obviously, they still carried that title.
00:26 And do you feel like that kind of goes out the window, though,
00:28 once it turns into tournament time?
00:30 >> I think so.
00:32 From experience, our team, throughout the past couple years,
00:35 we were never the number one team throughout the whole year.
00:39 And then when we got to May and we were playing these playoffs,
00:41 that's when we started to play like a number one team.
00:43 So I think they had that number one ranking, they deserve it.
00:47 And but when it comes down to it in May, it's whoever plays best that game.
00:53 So I think we do a good job of rising to the occasion.
00:57 >> Lars said that they kind of set the bar for where you guys have to be.
01:00 What's happened in the last month and a half to bring you closer to that bar?
01:04 >> I think it was just a good reality check for us.
01:07 Going into that game and beating us by 11,
01:11 it really taught us what we need to do if we wanna be like them.
01:16 The whole season before that game, it was who was number one, who was number two.
01:20 And after that, like when you guys said, it was clear that they were number one and
01:24 they had set the bar for what we needed to do.
01:26 And I think that game really put us on a path for the rest of the season.
01:31 >> They have so many guys that can find the back of the net.
01:33 What's gonna be the biggest key for you guys on Sunday?
01:37 >> I think it just comes down to playing good team defense.
01:41 Our scouting report, we always have a top thread for this team.
01:45 It's just their top threads are their starters, their starting six.
01:49 And just knowing that each one of them can make a play.
01:52 And we just have to know what we need to do in each scenario.
01:55 Just support each other.
01:57 >> And if memory serves me correct, you weren't 100% the last time you guys
02:00 played.
02:01 Are you excited personally to get a crack at it?
02:03 I see no breaks today.
02:05 >> Yeah, no, looking back on it,
02:07 I probably shouldn't have played in that game, I couldn't move very well.
02:11 But yeah, it was tough because I felt like there wasn't anything I could do to help.
02:17 But I'm feeling a lot better and he's feeling good.
02:19 So I'm really excited for this game.
02:23 >> When you say that you've done things or they showed you what you had to do,
02:26 what was missing and what have you done specifically kind of since to be better?
02:30 >> I think everyone was just kind of on their own,
02:35 doing their own thing on our defense, off the field.
02:38 And I think we really came together as a group and
02:42 decided what are we gonna do to make this a better team defense.
02:46 And we've been meeting together more and more off the field,
02:49 whether it's film, getting extra work, going in and seeing reads and getting better,
02:54 just spending more time together.
02:56 Cuz I mean, compared to last year, it's a pretty different defense.
03:00 The unit is Jared, Road, Kyle, so it takes time to get to know your defense.
03:07 And I think we're starting to get to know each other a little better.
03:10 >> And you had such a great performance out of Matthew and Cage last game out.
03:14 How much confidence does that give your defensive unit,
03:16 knowing that he was able to step up this first NCAA game like we did?
03:20 >> Yeah, no, it's the biggest confidence ever.
03:22 If you look at the saves Road made in our national championship games, and
03:28 if he's not making those saves, we're not winning national championships.
03:31 So just him knowing how important his role is in us reinforcing how proud we are of
03:37 him, cuz it's not easy being a first year in Cage playing a team like Maryland.
03:42 But he steps up to the occasion and we just wanna emphasize how proud we are of him.
03:47 And we wouldn't be here without him, so he keeps it going.
03:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]