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GREENSBORO -- The Proehlific Power has one agenda this summer: win the Palomino World Series.

This is not a new goal. They reached the World Series a year ago, stood proudly among the world's best, only to experience defeat. After finishing in fifth place last summer, the Power is determined to be the last team standing in 2008.

The final hurdle to reach the World Series will take place this weekend, as the team competes in the zone championships in Wexford, Pa. Though the task may seem daunting, this team displays confidence that says they not only want to win, but they expect to.

"This team was made to win the World Series," said pitcher Esterlin Paulino.

The way the team has been playing lately might lead you to believe Paulino's statement is not so farfetched. After sweeping the competition in the sectional finals, the team seems poised to trample their zone competition in a similar manner.

They have been led by pitching. In the three games played in the regionals, the Power gave up five hits and two runs.

"Our pitching is our strength right now," said head coach Justin Smith. "This team is probably deeper with pitching than a lot of teams I've had."

The Power is working with a newfound confidence this time around. In addition to compiling an overall record of 29-13, the team also features a handful of members who were on last year's squad. After experiencing the World Series loss, they return knowing what it takes to win.

"We know what the competition is going to be like," Paulino said. "Last year, I remember being really nervous because I didn't know what to expect. There's nothing that can faze me now."

A large factor for the Power this year has been the team's camaraderie. While some of the players knew each other outside of the team, Smith has made it a point to instill a family atmosphere.

"I'm probably too close with them," he said. "I try to be as much as a friend as I can be to these guys. It makes them want to play harder for me, because they know it means a lot to me."

Paulino, who starred as a pitcher for Southwest High, will take his talent to N.C. A&T in the fall. He says his collegiate future is only possible because of Smith. Smith called A&T head coach Keith Shumate and suggested he watch Paulino pitch.

Shumate offered Paulino a scholarship.

"Justin (Smith) is a great guy," Paulino said. "If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be going to college."

Paulino and fellow pitcher Michael Dimock will start the first two games. But the pressure doesn't seem to bother them.

"I feel like we have the same mentality we've had all year," said Dimock, who received an athletic scholarship to Wake Forest. "We've just got to go in and take care of business."

Contact Joel Brown at 373-7091 or joel.brown@news-record.com