Our kids didn't quit, they kept fighting the entire game. We just did what we had to do at the end of the game to come out on top.

Our kids battled all night. I always ask our kids to do more in extra-inning games, and they did. We have a saying from the dugout to use your best swing on the best pitch. Albert did that and drove in the run.

We've got several seniors that have been together since the ninth grade and they've worked hard for this season. We had to count on several of these guys as sophomores. They had to grow up fast (as sophomores) and they've continued to improve during the past two seasons. Our success will hinge on them.

You can't go into the first game saving somebody. If you need to spend all of your pitchers in the first round, you do it. That's the way most coaches approach it. If your best gun isn't going good, you have to pull the trigger. You can't let him work his way out of problems.

It makes this first game that much more difficult. You know you are going to face the best pitcher, and you have to throw your best. It doesn't matter who you play, usually.

The guys wanted to be put in a position to play quality opponents. This group is not going to back down from anyone. The way we look at it, the better teams prepare us for area play.