HOPE, Ark.-Spring Hill softball is on to something good.
For the third year in a row, defending 2-time champion Spring Hill is in the 2A softball championship game.
The Lady Bears take on Rison at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bogle Park on the campus of the University of Arkansas.
"It's been quite a ride," Spring Hill head coach Lorrie Chambless said. "The first time the girls went they were big-eyed and a little intimidated playing on the big field. The second time we felt like we had to prove to people that the first time wasn't a fluke, and this time the girls are comfortable and ready."
The Bears, winners of four straight games, shut out Poyen, 2-0, in the semifinals and defeated Marmaduke, 5-1, in the quarterfinals after a first round bye.
Rison beat Hector, 2-1, in the opening round of the state tournament, topped East Poinsett County, 7-1, and edged Parkers Chapel, 3-2, in the semifinals.
"We are all super excited about playing in the championship game," Chambless said. "The team got off to a little bit of a rocky start, but this group of girls amaze me because when it's time to win, they win. They work hard and are a very special group of girls."
Spring Hill's starting 10 is comprised of four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman.
"I have a big group of seniors this year, and this is their third time to go," Chambless said. "I told them to have fun and enjoy it. My assistant coach Tim Sanders told the girls to play fast, play clean, and to play for each other."
The Bears finished second to Rison in Conference 7-2A East with a 5-2 record, and the Lady Wildcats went 13-1.
Spring Hill defeated Hector 2-1 to claim the title in 2016, and got by Buffalo Island Central 3-1 in 2015.
"I can't tell you how many times they've swung the bat this year," Chambless said. "They've practiced in the rain, in the cold, and on their own. They have thrown balls with each other and have hit together."