This year was harder because everyone was getting ready for us, spending much more time for our games because we won state last year.

Our defense wasn't very good and we didn't make the first couple of baskets, so we were pressing.

We were really worried before the game because we thought they were undefeated and we hadn't seen them play.

Every venue should be ready before the Games, leaving us enough time -- even if it's little time -- to do the testing, to put the [Olympic] overlays [on]. The only worry we have is that the pace will not be kept because of unexpected difficulties.

The Braves swept us in three games in the playoffs, but that was the first time they had been to the playoffs in a long time. Sammy Sosa was a great guy, a real free spirit. Then there was a media circus and a few negative things happened.

Green has stepped up big time for us. She has called some great games and has also done tremendous at the plate. She was a walk-on in the fall and I didn't know what to expect out of her but she's done very well in stepping in for (junior catcher) Erin Zeller, who has been battling a shoulder injury.