Brahmarettes play Poth for 2A Region IV crown
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Photo contributed by Terrell Jessen East Bernard's Courtney Repka winds up to throw a pitch in Friday's Class 2A Region IV quarterfinal game against Yorktown. The 8th ranked Brahmarettes swept the Kitty Kats by identical 1-0 scores to advance to this weekend's Region IV championship against No. 1 ranked Poth.

EAST BERNARD - East Bernard second year softball coach Amy Bush believes there will be no pressure on her 8th ranked squad at this weekend's Class 2A Region IV championship series against No. 1 ranked Poth.

"The pressure is on everybody else because we've never been this far before," said Bush.

Last year's Brahmarettes lost to eventual state champion Troy in the regional quarterfinals. The Lady Trojans then went on to beat Poth for the regional championship.

Bush said she never thought about this year's team making it to the regional championship.

"I try not to look ahead like that," said Bush. "A season is not like a track meet, so we have to take it one week at a time."

"As a coach, if winning is not your goal, then you shouldn't be coaching.

"We had some key things that made us viable to play for it but I try not to look at it every single day."

The two teams play the first game at 7 p.m. Friday at the St. Joseph O'Connor Sports Complex in Victoria.

The second game will be played at 5 p.m. Saturday and if a third game is necessary it will be played 30 minutes later, also at the St. Joseph Complex.

"I think that it's going to be a real tough series," said Bush.

Poth coach Jerry Bonewald, who is also the football coach and athletic director, isn't surprised about playing East Bernard for the title.

"I felt like they would make it to especially if they could score runs for their pitcher," said Bonewald referring to EB junior Courtney Repka. "She's pretty a dominating pitcher."

East Bernard won last week's regional semifinal series from Yorktown, losing last Thursday's first game 3- 2 and sweeping Friday's contests by identical 1-0 scores.

Poth beat District 27-2A champion Danbury 8-1 in Thursday's first game. The Lady Panthers won Saturday 3-0 but the Pirettes won the second contest 5-1. The series winner advances to the UIL State Tournament; which starts next Thursday at McCombs Field in Austin.

Poth beat East Bernard 2-1 in 10 innings at the Flatonia Tournament back in March.

"I think that at this point you can't over think it anymore," said Bush. "We're happy and grateful that we're here."

Instead of the decision coming down to pitching and defense, Bush believes hitting will decide the series.

"We've got have the tools, we just have to use them."

Bonewald thinks otherwise.

"That's what we're both known for and it could be low scoring," said Bonewald.

Poth is led by junior pitcher Brooke Boening. Bush will counter with junior Courtney Repka who has 370 strikeouts in 32 games.

Other significant Pirette contributors include catcher Brenda Ramirez, infielders Dee Dee Faschingbauer, Rebecca Cavazos, Rhealyn Yanta, and Kayla Boening and outfielders Courtney Laskowski, Barbara Ramirez and Erica Moczygemba.

"They have all the key things that you need to have to be a good solid team," said Bush

"They are very athletic and sound defensively.

They do a great job of putting the ball in play and don't strike out a lot."

The Brahmarettes have gained attention all over Wharton County because of their success

"I hope that we sparked a interest," said Bush.

In Region I, Hawley plays Coahoma plays for the championship. S and S Consolidated battles Aubrey for the Region II title and Harmony takes on Woden for the Region III crown.