One through nine in our lineup can hit. They all put the ball in play and get on base, but Betsy is everything a coach could ask for in a hitter.

I've been very lucky with them. They work hard and everything I ask them to do they approach it with a workmanlike attitude. I often see the girls working by themselves. It's paid off. We started off against some of the bigger schools and we got better as the season went on. Defense, hitting, it's all coming together now.

It used to be just the opposite. It used to be us watching them. We know about the established program they have (in baseball). Now, we're trying to establish something on this side of the street.

Our defense sparks us. When we make a good defensive play, when we come in to bat, it carries over. We don't strike out much. We do a good job of putting the bat on the ball.

We even have some of the boys peeking over the fence watching our games. That did not used to happen. We kind of got their attention. Everybody knows about the baseball program. We're trying to establish that respect for our softball program. Support has been tremendous. What's neat is that some kids are stopping me in the hall and telling me they are coming out for softball next year.

Defense. Our defense has been the key for us this year. When teams put the ball in play against, these girls just attack the ball. Whether it's in the air or on the ground, they go get it.

That's been our key all year. Our defense has kept us in games and our bats have won them for us.

We came back here today (with the distractions) taking the approach that this is another away game. We're trying to stay with the same routine, and hopefully not get caught up in all that.

This has been a great year for me and the team. I have a super group of girls here.