Making the playoffs is nothing new for the Andrews Mustangs, who are in the postseason for the 13th consecutive year.

Neither is advancing.

When the Mustangs (20-9) open their Class 3A regional quarterfinal series against the Levelland Lobos tonight at Levelland, it will be the ninth time since 1995 that Andrews has appeared in the third round of the playoffs.

But most of the players on this year’s team, which won the District 3-3A title and beat Presidio in three games in the area round last week, are getting their first taste of postseason action.

“For most of these guys, this is new ground,” Gardner said. “The Presidio series was big for us. We had some young kids get some innings in and sort of get their feet wet as far as the playoff atmosphere. That was really critical for us.

“I thought our kids responded well in Game 3 (winning 13-3). We hit the ball well, scored some runs and got to move on.”

With an inexperienced lineup, the Mustangs have relied heavily on pitcher Levi Saenz, shortstop Brantley Miller and outfielder Cory Lee, all holdovers from last year’s team that made the Class 4A regional semifinals.

“Levi’s just been outstanding for us on the mound,” Gardner said. “He’s a senior and he’s been through the mill a little bit. The other kids really look to him for his leadership and he’s responded very well.

“When he’s on the mound, we feel like we’re going to win the game. He has great composure and doesn’t get rattled, and part of that is experience.”

Miller, who bats third, and Lee, the leadoff hitter, have also played key rolls.

“Brantley started for us last year as a junior,” Garner said. “(Miller and Saenz) have been very critical to our success. They’ve been patient with the inexperience of the young guys and kind of helped them along.

“Cory played a little bit last year. He’s just an outstanding athlete. He’s our leadoff guy and kind of sets the tone for us. When those guys play well, the team sort of follows along.”

The series shifts to Andrews’ Mustang Baseball Complex on Friday for Game 2. Game 3, if necessary, will be played Saturday at Lubbock High.

Gardner said having a home game adds some excitement to the series.

“Playing somebody fairly close, it gives you that opportunity,” he said. “(Levelland) wanted to play home-and-home and get a little playoff atmosphere with their fans at their ballpark.

“It really worked out well. I think it’s going to make for some exciting baseball and both places should have really good crowds. We’re going to have to respond to that, people hooping and hollering and a little more atmosphere.”