#11 Kofa prepares for battle at #3 Hamilton

The Kings have a tough test on the road against the Huskies

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Kofa is embracing its underdog role as it prepares for a high-stakes matchup in the Class 6A double-elimination bracket on Tuesday at Hamilton High School at 4 p.m.

The Kings have already advanced to the second round and will face Hamilton with their postseason hopes on the line. Riding momentum from recent strong performances, Kofa enters the matchup confident in both its approach and execution.

Senior Ryan Rosas said the team uses outside expectations as motivation.

“Honestly, like, especially being from Yuma, I feel like a lot of people, at least a lot of Phoenix teams, don't expect much from us, so we're kind of like the underdogs,” Rosas said. “You never really expect too much from the underdogs, but it's always a good underdog story.”

Rosas added that the team’s mindset has been key to its success.

“Our motto honestly is like having fun, just staying like goofy and like relax, and I feel like it helps a lot,” he said. “Not wanting to win too much, not wanting to lose, just really staying locked in.”

Kofa’s recent run has been fueled by strong pitching, something coach Jose Suero expects to continue.

“Attack everybody, attack early and good pitching, good pitching,” Suero said. “If our pitching stays on our side we should be good. If you see our last seven or eight games we haven't allowed more than two runs, so our pitching staff, I expect it tomorrow to be at that level too.”

Suero also emphasized the importance of staying mentally focused, especially in high-pressure situations against a team known for talking trash.

“Don't look at them. Just focus on the game,” he said. “Stay in the dugout. Sometimes you feel a little bit pressure or something, just look at me. I will tell you to breathe. It's more mental than anything.”

With a chance to continue their postseason run, the Kings will look to rely on their pitching, composure and team-first mentality against Hamilton.