It’s been two years since Adams County Christian School’s softball team has won a state championship.

Sophomore pitcher Charmaine Reagan wants the experience of winning the state title for the first time, while senior outfielder Neely Ward wants to go out with her third title.

AC,16-3,&160;finished second to Parklane the past two years after winning the state title four years in a row.

The Lady Rebels begin their quest to get the state title back at the MPSA AAA-AAAA&160;State Softball Tournament in Brookhaven Saturday.

The tournament is a double elimination tournament.

The Lady Rebels begin play at 10:15 a.m. against Oak Hill Academy.

&uot;The last two years we had the potential to win it all, but we didn’t play up to that potential,&uot; Ward said. &uot;We just slacked off. This year’s team does not have as much potential, but we’ve worked harder. Winning does not come as easy, and that may have helped us get ready for the state tournament.&uot;

Ward has been playing in the AC outfield since the eighth grade

&uot;I love playing the outfield,&uot; Ward said. &uot;It’s a matter of getting a good jump on the ball and being able to judge it. You have to pick up the ball right when it comes off the bat.&uot;

Ward is one of only three seniors on the Lady Rebel team, which includes only one junior.

&uot;I’ve tried to be more of a leader,&uot;&160;she said. &uot;You know people are looking up to you. It’s tough being one of only three seniors when we have so many young players. You have to make sure everybody’s attitude is right.&uot;

Reagan began pitching for the varsity team as an eighth-grader.

&uot;I started pitching when I was 10 years old,&uot; Reagan said. &uot;It just comes natural.&uot;

And while she doesn’t have to worry about hitting the corners, Reagan said pitching in slow-pitch is not as easy as it may seem.

&uot;It takes a lot of concentration,&uot; she said. &uot;It helps that I’ve been doing it a long time.&uot;

Reagan said pitching in a tournament is a tougher task.

&uot;If it gets to around five games I start getting tired,&uot; she said. &uot;But I just have to overcome that.&uot;

Reagan said she believes the Lady Rebels can finish on top.

&uot;It’s all about attitude,&uot; Reagan said. &uot;We just have to be ready to play. I think we’ve had a good year and can win it all.&uot;

Ward, who will be a cheerleader next year at Millsaps, said she will be disappointed if the Lady Rebels do not win state, but it won’t be the end of the world.

&uot;There are so many other things to look forward to,&uot; she said. &uot;I’m going to be doing a lot of different things. Millsaps has a softball team, so you never know. I might just try out.&uot;