The burden of the 2003 National Championship is always lurking in the background for the Rice Owls.

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"There is a sense of urgency, now is the time we have to seize this," remarked shortstop Brian Friday.

"The standard has become winning a regional and winning a super regional isn't what we are here to do. We want to get to Omaha and hopefully win there." Says pitcher and first baseman Joe Savery. "We're looking at this as part of the plan, part of the journey."

The journey has been great recently. 13 consecutive trips to the regionals, the fourth longest streak in the country, but will all that experience help in round one versus Prairie View?

"I think it has an affect," says the veteran Rice Baseball Coach Wayne Graham. "You hope the experience centers them more and focuses them more."

Over the last 12 months, Rice has played P.V. twice, and each game has brought out the best in the Panthers, so there will be no surprises in this one.

"We fell like we are more talented than they are," says Savery. "But they have definately pushed us to our limits. They bring a new dynamic with their speed and agressiveness on the bases, but we feel like we can counter that and take care of business."

Butch Alsandor 11 News, Sports.