When the Adams County Christian School softball team takes the field for its season opener tonight, coach Tate Lipscomb will be looking out to a horizon filled with senior players.

While the Lady Rebels will be focused on claiming their first win, Lipscomb said he might be thinking of a little something else, too.

“This group of seniors is the one that actually got me coaching,” Lipscomb said. “They were the ones that wanted me to coach, and we have played a lot of softball together. It’s been my core group and I guess my first senior class that I molded.”

The class that is dazzled with seven veteran players petitioned for Lipscomb to take the job as head coach three years ago. After a list of more than 30 signatures and approval from ACCS Headmaster David King, Lipscomb said he couldn’t do anything but become a Lady Rebel.

”I didn’t even want to coach when I took this job. I just couldn’t tell them no,” he said. “I wasn’t a coach at all and I’m still just a volunteer, but it is in my family.”

Lipscomb admitted he didn’t know anything about softball when he took over, but he took what he knew about baseball and ran.

Now, Lipscomb said he barely has to do much coaching.

“There will be anywhere from five to six seniors on the field at all times. They have a lot of talent and a lot of knowledge,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about it because we are senior heavy.”

ACCS lost its star pitcher Brianna Henson to graduation, leaving the biggest spot to fill on the mound.

Senior Shelby Mason will lead the way, while newcomer Becca Cowan will also get playing time.

“Shelby’s awesome at third base and at the plate,” he said. “She’s a good pitcher, but she isn’t dominant. I was a little nervous just having one pitcher, but we were lucky to get Becca who showed up and wanted to play.”

Lipscomb also said there is a possibility some underclassmen will be eligible to start in some other positions. But for the seniors, Lipscomb said they’ve got the game down pat.

“They just know what each other is thinking on the field. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy because no coaching is ever easy,” he said, “but it will be a lot easier since they know the system and know each other.

“I’m excited. It should be a good year.”

Today’s varsity game against Parklane Academy is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Natchez with junior varsity to be played beforehand.