By Sam Ranard

As the UK softball season comes to a close, the Cats are attempting to claw their way into the postseason. With only seven games left to play in the 2009 season, the UK softball team (26-18, 8-13 Southeastern Conference) need to come away with a few wins in the next two weeks.

The Cats must be in the top eight in the conference to go to the SEC tournament. UK is currently seventh in the conference, but has already faced some of the top schools in the SEC, including No. 1 Florida.

The Cats’ schedule strength has been both a blessing and a curse. Because of their schedule, the UK softball team has gained valuable experience against some of the best teams in the nation while suffering 13 SEC losses along the way.

“Experience is great,” UK softball head coach Rachel Lawson said. “A tough schedule exposes weaknesses you need to work on, and it also allows you to grow. When you have a weaker schedule you can’t do that. On the flip side, when you go to postseason play you have to have a good record and a good RPI. So you still have to make sure you get enough wins.”

This season has been the UK softball team’s most successful season since 2001, which was the last time they went to the SEC tournament.

UK’s series against Mississippi State will go a long way in determining the Cats’ SEC and NCAA tournament fates. A sweep or series win could be the push UK needs to solidify their place for the SEC Tournament May 7-9 in Knoxville, Tenn.

“Next weekend is everything,” Lawson said. “We are taking it like it’s a championship. Everyone on the team knows what it means and we are just taking it like it’s everything.”

The Cats said they couldn’t rely on just one aspect of their game, though, to get them through the upcoming SEC tournament.

“We really need to play well,” Lawson said. “We are a jack of all trades team. In order for us to be successful we have to hit well and play great defense.”