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Playoff Preview: Kempner Lady Cougars

Relaxing is the Key!

District 23-5A co-champions Kempner Lady Cougars are a team that brings experience into this year's playoffs. After winning their first district championship under Coach Rychlik, they look to continue making it a year of firsts.

FortBendSoftball.com had a chance to sit down with Coach Charity Rychlik and talk about her team, her 10 seniors, and this year's playoffs.

FBS: Winning the district has pitted you guys against Clear Lake. Do you guys know much about them?

Rychlik: I've heard a lot about their pitcher (Victoria Brown). Everyone is talking about how tall she is and how hard she throws. Fortunately we faced the fastest pitchers in our district the last game and have been jacking up the pitching machine in preparation. But mostly we want to just play our game.

FBS: You guys have 10 seniors this year. What does it mean to you going into the playoffs with these girls that you've coached for 4 years?

Rychlik: It's hard to explain, but after seeing these girls come in as freshman and how they have grown up makes this year special. Our seniors have really led this team this year so it's neat to see their hard work pay off. Up until Senior Night we really hadn't thought about it, but this team is really close, so that's what really makes it special.

FBS: Cougar pitching has really come through- especially that of DJ Rodriguez. What has been the secret?

Rychlik: DJ has been consistent for the past two years. Every year she just amazes me more. She works extremely hard off the field (especially at home) and is just a gamer that doesn't get rattled. Our team is confident behind her and she has proved to be our go to pitcher. We have also been able to rely on Bethany (Muñoz) and Mycala (Sorosiak) who have done a great job but DJ has earned that top spot.

FBS: What do you feel your players need to do to get deep into the playoffs?

Rychlik: We have really just tried to keep the girls relaxed. With the girls relaxed, it allows our key players to do their jobs and lead the team. With DJ in the circle and Christina (Eberhard) behind the plate and Mycala (Sorosiak) at the plate we feel confident in our game. Everyone on this team believes in our skills but from here on it's all mental. We just need them to be relaxed and consistent like they have been all year.

FBS: I noticed that the girls are all wearing orange shoe laces- what's that all about?

Rychlik: One of our player's mom passed away this year and orange and pink were her favorite colors. So the girls have been sporting pink ribbons and orange shoe laces to pay respect and to honor her memory.

Kempner takes on Clear Lake in a 3 game series with game one on Friday at 7PM in Clear Lake. Games 2 and 3 (if needed) will be at Kempner on Saturday at 11AM.

#2011 Playoffs #Rychlik #Kempner #Clear Lake